Nigeria's $1bn Fish Import Bill: Dangote Calls for Action

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, representing Dangote Group, disclosed that Nigeria imports fish worth $1 billion annually, highlighting the country's reliance on imports despite its rich marine and inland water resources. This information was shared during a keynote address delivered on behalf of Mr. Akin Omol, Managing Director of Dangote Port Operations, at an event organized by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos.

Dangote pointed out that the rising import bill underscores the untapped potential of Nigeria's blue economy and called for increased investment in fisheries and aquaculture to enhance local production and food security while conserving foreign exchange. He identified inadequate infrastructure and inconsistent long-term financing policies as constraints to the sector's growth.

Dangote urged for stronger public-private partnerships, asserting that government alone cannot finance the transformation of the marine blue economy. He listed fisheries, aquaculture, port infrastructure, logistics, maritime manufacturing, shipbuilding, marine technology, renewable energy, and coastal tourism as priority areas for investment.