The Federal Government has approved the launch of a digital system for fish import licensing, aiming to enhance regulation and promote local aquaculture production in Nigeria.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the initiative is part of a wider effort to modernise fisheries administration.
The reform, endorsed by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, is designed to increase transparency, streamline processes, and support the growth of domestic fish production.
The digitisation is expected to simplify regulatory procedures, cut administrative delays, and enhance monitoring of fish imports, while also providing support for local producers.
Oyetola described the digital licensing initiative as a significant move toward more efficient fisheries management and greater transparency.
“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 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,” the statement read in part.
The reform aims to remove bottlenecks, strengthen regulatory oversight, and align Nigeria’s fish import procedures with global best practices in fisheries management.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy stated that the new digital platform will replace the existing manual licensing system, enhancing efficiency and regulatory control.
The system is designed to streamline applications, minimize delays and duplication, and reduce human interference in approvals. Only verified and registered importers will be granted licences, helping to combat illegal and unregulated fish imports.
Real-time tracking of import volumes will allow regulators to spot supply gaps and make informed, data-driven policy decisions.
The platform is also set to shield local producers from unfair competition and bolster national food security planning.
The Federal Government, in collaboration with development partners, has unveiled several initiatives to strengthen local aquaculture.
Launched in mid-2025, the N200 million FAO-supported aquaculture financing programme aimed to assist 40 fish farmers with N2.5–5 million each to expand their production.
Additional programmes are planned to enhance access to fish feed, hatcheries, and technical training for aquaculture practitioners.
