By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe has revealed that Nigeria is currently importing 2.2 million tonnes of fish annually.
Umakhihe disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the Independent Dialogue on the Transformation and Future of Aquatic Food Systems in Nigeria.
He said that Nigeria produces 1.1 million tonnes against the total demand of 3.6 million tonnes annually, adding that 10 million Nigerians are actively engaged in primary and secondary fisheries operations.
“In this regard, the total demand for fish is 3.6 million tons annually while Nigeria is producing 1.1million tons from all sources (Aquaculture, artisanal and Industrial sectors) leaving a deficit of about 2.5 million tons to be supplemented by importation”, he noted.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhalji Mohammed Sabo Nanono, speaking during the Dialogue, said the sector is confronted with numerous challenges including high cost of inputs and use of unimproved breeds in aquaculture.
Nanono said the ministry is willing to engage and partner with all stakeholders for the development of the sector for economic development, wealth and job creation as well as food and nutrition security.
