The Federal Government has called on investors and financial institutions to tap into Nigeria’s vast catfish industry, describing the country’s fish production deficit as a major investment opportunity capable of driving economic growth, food security and job creation.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola made the call in Abuja at a High-Level Roundtable on Scaling Sustainable Catfish Value Chain Transformation, organised under the Fisheries and Aquaculture for Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (FISH4ACP) programme.
Oyetola said Nigeria’s annual fish requirement stood at approximately 3.6 million metric tonnes, while domestic production from all sources was about 1.4 million metric tonnes, leaving a significant supply gap that local aquaculture operators and prospective investors could exploit.
While, pledging deeper engagement with development finance institutions to promote affordable financing, improved sector data, research, quality assurance and technical support, the Minister assured investors of Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment through stronger coordination with state governments, regulatory institutions and private sector operators.
NTA News
