FG Moves Fish Import Licences Online to Strengthen Aquaculture

The Federal Government has approved the digitisation of fish import licences to improve transparency and oversight in Nigeria’s fisheries sector and protect local producers.

The approval was granted by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who directed the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to fast-track the rollout of a digital licensing platform.

In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, the minister said the move would simplify licensing procedures, reduce delays, and strengthen regulatory control. He added that the reform is aimed at supporting local fish production while ensuring proper management of fish imports.

Oyetola said the new system will replace manual processes, reduce administrative inefficiencies, and limit human interference. The platform is also expected to provide real-time data to track import volumes and support evidence-based policy decisions.

The ministry said only qualified and registered importers will be granted licences under the new framework, helping to curb illegal and unregulated fish imports.

Oyetola said the reform is part of broader efforts to boost domestic aquaculture, reduce reliance on imports, and create jobs. Nigeria’s demand for fish continues to exceed local supply, with a gap of about 2.5 million metric tonnes annually.

The government says the digital licensing system will ensure fish imports complement, rather than undermine, local production.