FG Raises Alarm Over Antibiotic Misuse Endangering ₦200bn Aquaculture Sector

Nigeria’s booming aquaculture industry is facing a serious threat as the Federal Government warns that the widespread misuse of antibiotics is undermining farm productivity and putting long-term sector growth at risk. Officials say careless use of antimicrobials is weakening disease control efforts and creating conditions that could severely disrupt fish production nationwide.

Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Samuel Anzaku, told fish farmers and value-chain operators at a sensitisation forum in Karu, Abuja, that the rising challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance is already driving up production costs and increasing fish mortality. Represented by Dr. George Uzoaga, he explained that routine overuse, unprescribed medication and poor treatment practices were diminishing the effectiveness of vital drugs and exposing farms to preventable outbreaks.

Anzaku cautioned that farmers are now spending more on stronger medicines while grappling with slower fish growth and higher losses—an economic drain he warned could cripple value chains if allowed to persist. He urged producers to adopt professional veterinary guidance, embrace evidence-based alternatives and strengthen farm hygiene to reduce dependency on antibiotics.

Industry experts share the same concern. Benedict Muyiwa, President of the Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Association, praised the government for prioritising young and emerging farmers but stressed that weak farm management and indiscriminate drug use remain leading causes of sector-wide setbacks. He said improved biosecurity and consistent veterinary consultation are essential for protecting profits and sustaining growth.

Nigeria’s aquaculture industry, now worth more than ₦200 billion annually, continues to attract strong investment as demand for fish rises. However, experts warn that unchecked antimicrobial misuse threatens to erode gains made in commercial aquaculture and place additional pressure on an already fragile food system.

The Ministry of Livestock Development pledged to intensify national efforts to contain AMR, reiterating that resistance, if left uncontrolled, could evolve into a major public health and economic crisis with far-reaching consequences for producers and consumers alike.