Minister Oyetola Approves Digitisation Of Nigeria’s Fish Import License

News in brief:

-Nigeria's fish import licensing will transition from a manual to a fully digital system.

-This reform aims to strengthen regulation, improve data tracking and support domestic fish production.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved the digitisation of Nigeria’s fish import licensing process as part of efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency and regulatory oversight in the fisheries sector.

Following the approval, Oyetola has directed the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to fast-track the implementation of the digital licensing platform.

In a statement, the minister explains that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, food security, job creation and institutional reform.

Oyetola stated that the digitisation initiative represents a critical reform aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s fisheries sector for sustainable growth and improved competitiveness.

“The digitisation of fish import licensing is a major step towards eliminating administrative bottlenecks, improving transparency and ensuring that our regulatory processes align with global best practices,” the Minister said.

He added that the reform would simplify procedures for legitimate operators while strengthening government oversight and accountability across the sector.

Technology-Driven Licensing Framework

The ministry noted that the transition from manual licensing procedures to a digital system would streamline application processes, reduce delays, eliminate duplication and significantly limit human interference and administrative inefficiencies.

By introducing an automated licensing framework, Nigeria’s fisheries management system would be better aligned with international standards in maritime and aquatic resource administration.

Real-Time Data and Policy Planning

When fully implemented, the digital platform will provide real-time data monitoring capabilities, enabling the Ministry to accurately track fish import volumes, assess supply gaps and support evidence-based policy decisions.

The improved data analytics are expected to strengthen strategic planning within the fisheries sector and ensure that import licences reflect national food security priorities while protecting local producers from unfair competition.

The Ministry said the new system would also enhance regulatory compliance by ensuring that only qualified and duly registered importers are granted licenses. This move would help curb illegal and unregulated fish imports that have historically undermined local aquaculture investments.

“Nigeria has enormous potential to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production, and we must create policies that encourage investment in local aquaculture while responsibly managing importation,” Oyetola said.

“Our goal is to progressively reduce dependence on imported fish by strengthening local capacity, creating jobs and supporting Nigerian fish farmers to thrive in a more competitive and well-regulated environment.”

Reducing Reliance on Fish Imports

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest consumers of fish, with demand consistently exceeding domestic supply.

The digitisation of fish import licensing is expected to serve as a key regulatory tool to ensure that importation supports, rather than stifles, the growth of domestic fish production and aquaculture investments.