Norway, Nigeria Partner to Boost Fisheries, Aquaculture Industries

News in Brief:

-FG renews focus on a sustainable seafood value chain to drive food security and blue economy growth.

-Nigeria and Norway deepen collaboration to improve aquaculture capacity, fish trade, and local production.

The Federal Government recently restated its commitment to building a sustainable seafood production value chain that will boost food security, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, pledged an interactive seminar in Lagos between stakeholders and regulatory authorities involved in seafood import and export.

Represented by Wellington Omoragbon, Director of Federal Fisheries and Aquaculture, Oyetola described the seafood value chain as a crucial pillar for Nigeria’s food security, trade, and nutrition improvement.

“The seafood value chain is an important component of Nigeria’s food security and trade system. It supports our goal of harnessing marine and aquatic resources for sustainable economic growth,” he said.

He commended the Government of Norway and the Norwegian Seafood Council for their consistent collaboration, describing it as key to developing Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture subsector.

Strengthening Policies, Cold Chain, and Export Frameworks

Oyetola revealed that the Ministry is reviewing policies such as the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, the Fisheries Bill, and the Marine and Blue Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan to align them with global best practices.

He added that while Nigeria still depends on fish imports to meet demand, the long-term goal is self-sufficiency through public-private investment, modern technology, and improved infrastructure.

Efforts are also ongoing to strengthen cold chain systems, enhance value addition, and streamline seafood import and export procedures through collaboration with NAFDAC, SON, and the Nigeria Customs Service using the National Single Window platform for digital operations.

Under the Blue Economy framework, Oyetola said the Ministry is tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, upgrading fish processing systems, and encouraging private sector investment.

Norway, Nigeria Deepen Seafood Partnership

The Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Baera, noted that the seafood trade between both countries extends beyond commerce, calling it a story of cultural exchange and mutual benefit.

“Nigeria remains one of the largest importers of Norwegian stockfish, which has become a symbol of friendship between both nations,” Baera said.

Norway’s Director of Business Support at the Seafood Council, Kathrine Tveiteras, shared that the country exported seafood worth $17.5 billion in 2023, equivalent to 38 million meals daily, while emphasising the council’s focus on sustainability.

Building Capacity and Supporting Nigerian Fish Farmers

Johnny Haaberg, Director for Africa at the Norwegian Seafood Council, reaffirmed Norway’s readiness to share its expertise in aquaculture and fish management with Nigeria.

Similarly, Fisheries Consultant Abiodun Oritsejemine Cheke disclosed plans for training Nigerian fish farmers and officers on sustainability, documentation, and certification, critical areas limiting Nigeria’s fish exports.

Cheke also appealed for a 150-day zero-duty window on stockfish heads, noting that stockfish remains one of the most affordable sources of protein for Nigerian families.

“A small pack costing about ₦200 can feed a family of four when combined with local dishes. We hope the government will consider this request,” she said, adding that Norway is prepared to import farmed Nigerian tilapia at zero export duty once current restrictions are lifted.