Nigeria's Fish Production Falls Short, Urges Cooperative Action

Ladan Aliyu, President of the National Fish Association of Nigeria, stated that Nigeria produces less than a quarter of the 300,000 metric tonnes of fish it requires annually. During the inauguration of the association's newly elected executive committee in Abuja, he emphasized the need for stronger government support and collaboration among fish farmers to close the supply gap.

Aliyu noted that current domestic production is significantly below needs, with imports only partially filling the shortfall. He advocated for fish farmers to form sustainable cooperative societies to enhance production capacity and access necessary inputs and training.

Aliyu highlighted that locally farmed fish could be more affordable than imported varieties, although the depreciation of the naira has increased import costs. Adewale Adewu, Deputy President of NFAN, attributed rising fish prices to global market conditions and Nigeria's reliance on imports.