Nigeria’s Seafood Imports Highlight Fisheries Challenges

Nigeria's seafood imports surged to $866 million in 2025, up from $606 million in 2023, according to industry stakeholders. This increase highlights the country's growing reliance on frozen fish and seafood imports despite its extensive marine and inland fisheries resources.

Industry leaders warned that Nigeria's annual fish import dependence stands at about two million metric tons. They called for urgent government action to revive industrial fishing, boost local production, and reduce reliance on imports.

Stakeholders urged federal and state governments to support indigenous fishing operators, protect local investments, and promote large-scale industrial fishing. These measures aim to enhance food security, create jobs, and increase foreign exchange earnings through seafood exports.