Bayelsa farmers to win big in $1.96bn Nigeria’s seafood market

…as NEPC preps, point farmers’ attention to economic benefits of aquaculture

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is preparing stakeholders in Bayelsa State to participate and benefit from Nigeria’s estimated $1.96 billion seafood market, just as the Federal Government’s Agency points seafood farmers’ attention to economic benefits inherent in aquaculture and seafood.

The global seafood market is estimated at $428.76 billion in 2026 and is projected to double within the next decade, with Nigeria’s share of the seafood market a paltry $1.96 billion which could rise to $4.86 billion by 2034.

Despite the opportunities that abound in the seafood market, Bayelsa State with natural resources endowment and longest coastline of about 203 kilometres among all the litoral States is yet to take advantage of its unique location to make inroads into the lucrative market.

Following in the steps of the Federal Government, the Bayelsa State Government established the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in order to harness the vast marine and aquatic resources.

As part of efforts to stimulate the seafood sector the Bayelsa NEPC Office organized a one-day Capacity Building Programme on Export-Ready Aquaculture and Value Chain Development in Bayelsa State with the theme: Developing an Export-Ready Seafood Value Chain for Sustainable Economic Growth and Export Expansion.

The event which held in Yenagoa within the week brought together policymakers and experts as well various stakeholders in the seafood value chain in the state to chart a new path of sustainability and economic development.

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Michael Ibanga of NEPC highlighted export opportunities in seafood in Bayelsa State as he spoke on Export Opportunities, Documentation and International Market Access for Seafood Products.

Ibanga explained export documentation requirements, discussed international market access procedures and improved export readiness to the stakeholders.

He also spoke on the importance of the seafood value chain, market trends and priority export markets such as the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, China, United Arab Emirates and regional African markets.

According to him, the challenges facing seafood exporters in Bayelsa State include quality compliance gaps, limited cold storage infrastructure, high logistics costs and limited market intelligence.

He assured of NEPC’s availability to support Bayelsa exporters, as the state possessed strong seafood export potential, warning that compliance and quality as well as documentation are critical for market access.

Ojo Akinrotimi, Research Director, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Port Harcourt, spoke on Modern Fishing Practices and Sustainable Seafood Production for Export Markets in Nigeria.

Akinrotimi explained in detail modern fishing practices, modern fishing technologies in Nigeria, sustainable seafood production systems, sustainable aquaculture, seafood production and value addition.

He also explained export standards for fish processing in Nigeria, quality parameters for export fish products, challenges facing seafood production in Nigeria and future prospects.

“Sustainable seafood production is essential for enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in international seafood export markets so we must ensure long-term conservation of aquatic resources,” he concluded.

In her presentation, George-Oshioke Philomena, Chief Regulatory Officer, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Bayelsa State, said seafood export required strict adherence to food safety standards and regulatory requirements.

According to her, “Compliance with NAFDAC regulations and global food safety standards protects public health, inspires consumer confidence, and strengthens Nigeria’s seafood export sector.”

Earlier, Sylvia Adeneye, NEPC State Coordinator, welcomed participants, saying the engagement was about export opportunities in seafood and aquaculture, quality assurance and sanitary standards, and international market access requirements.

She said the event would also place emphasis on sustainable aquaculture practices and strategies for enhancing competitiveness in the global market.