Nigeria’s fish production rises by 300,000MT in 2025 – Minister

Nigeria has recorded a significant increase in local fish production, rising by 300,000 metric tonnes within one year, Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has said.

Oyetola disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), noting that fish output increased from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025.

He described the development as the first major rise in production in over a decade, attributing the growth to ongoing government interventions aimed at strengthening the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector.

According to the minister, the federal government is prioritising fisheries as a key component of its food security and economic diversification agenda, with renewed focus on boosting local production and reducing dependence on imports.

Read also: Blue economy ministry received 2% of capital budget in 2025 — Oyetola

He added that improved security in Nigeria’s waters has delivered significant economic benefits, not only for the country but also for the wider Gulf of Guinea region, which previously suffered from high levels of maritime insecurity.

“The project has significantly improved maritime domain awareness and response capability, restoring confidence among international shipping lines and investors.

“Safer waters have led to increased shipping traffic, reduced insurance premiums, enhanced port activity and greater regional trade flows,” the Minister stated.

“It is no longer acceptable that Nigeria continues to spend huge foreign exchange on fish importation,” Oyetola said, adding that the government remains committed to ending fish imports through sustained investment in local production capacity.

He explained that efforts are underway to reactivate fishing terminals across the country and provide targeted support to artisanal fish farmers to enhance productivity and improve value chain development.

The minister also pointed to the recent approval of Nigeria’s Turtle Excluder Device certification by the United States, which now enables Nigerian shrimp exports to access both U.S. and European markets.

Read also: Oyetola urges investment across fisheries value Chain in West Africa

He said the approval would strengthen the competitiveness of Nigeria’s seafood industry, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create employment opportunities across fishing, processing, logistics, and export segments.

Oyetola reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to deepen reforms and attract investment into the marine and blue economy sector.

In a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, his special adviser on Media, the Minister said a proposal had already been submitted to the federal government for the upgrade of the Deep Blue Project to further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.

Tayo Aduloju, Chief Executive Officer of NESG, commended the ministry for developing a national policy on the marine and blue economy, describing it as a key framework for unlocking the sector’s potential.

He said the policy provides a structured pathway for sustainable resource utilisation, improved governance, environmental protection, and greater private sector participation.

Aduloju added that effective implementation would boost GDP growth, create jobs, enhance food security, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global blue economy.