Expert Warns Against Nigeria’s Inconsistent Fish Import Policy

A fisheries expert has warned that Nigeria’s fish import policy is weakening local aquaculture, limiting job creation, and undermining the country’s efforts to achieve food security and reduce pressure on foreign exchange. He argued that continued policy inconsistencies have made it difficult for local fish farmers to compete with imported products.

Speaking in an interview, Dr Olukayode Olubiyi, Chief Lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, said Nigeria has the capacity to produce a large share of the fish consumed locally. However, he noted that allowing the importation of fish species that can be farmed within the country discourages investment and slows the growth of the aquaculture industry.

According to Olubiyi, the importation of tilapia, catfish, and pangasius places Nigerian farmers at a major disadvantage. He explained, “When government allows the importation of fish species like tilapia, catfish and pangasius that we can produce locally, local farmers cannot compete. It takes six to seven months to raise fish, while importers bring in large quantities within weeks and sell at cheaper prices.”

The expert said the inconsistent fish import policy has created uncertainty that discourages investors from expanding fish farming operations. He added, “Today, government encourages local production; tomorrow, it opens the market to imports. That uncertainty frustrates producers. When you discover that we are no longer producing enough locally, it is largely because of this inconsistency in government policy.”

Olubiyi maintained that Nigeria should only import fish species that cannot thrive under the country’s tropical climate, such as salmon and cod, while giving greater support to the local production of species in which Nigeria has a natural advantage.

He also warned that continued dependence on imported fish encourages capital flight and shifts employment opportunities abroad instead of creating jobs for Nigerians through a stronger aquaculture industry.

Do you think a more consistent fish import policy would encourage greater investment in Nigeria’s aquaculture sector?