World Aquaculture Society Calls for U.S. Ban Lift on Fish

Olarenwaju Badmus, the global director of the World Aquaculture Society and CEO of Aquaglobal Inter Solutions, called for the United States to lift its ban on smoked catfish exports from Nigeria during the 156th Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society held from August 30 to September 3, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. He warned that the ban has significant economic implications, disrupting a key export market and undermining the livelihoods of thousands involved in the fish farming and processing sectors.

Badmus emphasized that the restriction limits Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and hampers efforts to formalize and expand the aquaculture sector. He urged U.S. regulators to collaborate with Nigerian authorities on compliance and technical support to reopen market access, arguing that lifting the ban would enhance food security and bilateral trade.

He acknowledged the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture's efforts in addressing the trade restriction, including submitting the Sanitary Requirements Template to the United States Department of Agriculture.