Manny Ita
The Federal Government has approved a digital system for fish import licensing as part of efforts to regulate imports and boost domestic fish production in Nigeria. The approval, disclosed in a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, was announced on Tuesday.
The reform, endorsed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is aimed at modernising fisheries administration, increasing transparency, and supporting local aquaculture production.
“The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has approved the digitisation of Nigeria’s fish import licensing process in a landmark policy move aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and regulatory oversight within the nation’s fisheries sector,” the statement said.
“The Minister has consequently directed the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to expedite action towards the swift implementation of the digital platform, signalling the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to modernising marine administration while strengthening domestic fish production capacity,” it added.
The Ministry explained that the new digital system will replace the manual licensing process, streamline applications, reduce delays and duplication, and limit human interference in approvals. Only verified and registered importers will receive licences, which will also allow regulators to monitor import volumes in real time, identify supply gaps, and make data-driven policy decisions.
Oyetola noted that the reform complements broader efforts to revitalise domestic fish production, attract investment in aquaculture, and reduce dependence on imported fish.
The Federal Government, together with development partners, has launched several initiatives to support local aquaculture, including a N200 million FAO-backed financing scheme in 2025 to assist 40 fish farmers with between N2.5 million and N5 million each for scaling production. Other programmes target access to fish feed, hatcheries, technical training, and partnerships with international agencies to enhance private sector participation and productivity in the fisheries value chain.
Nigeria currently imports approximately two million metric tonnes of fish annually, while domestic production falls short of demand, putting pressure on foreign exchange and local farmers. The aquaculture sector faces challenges including high feed costs, limited financing, weak cold-chain infrastructure, and inefficient distribution networks, which have constrained growth and scaling of local fish farming operations.
The digital licensing reform is expected to tighten import controls, align approvals with national food security objectives, and complement ongoing efforts to increase local fish production.
