Aquaculture Can Cut Fish Imports, Save Nigeria $1bn Yearly

A Professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dominic Odedeyi, says Nigeria could save more than one billionp dollars each year from fish imports if the country fully develops its fisheries resources.

He made this known while delivering the 58th inaugural lecture at Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba Akoko, Ondo State. The lecture, titled “From Creation to Cultivation: Enhancing Fish Biology for Humanity,” was held at the university’s multipurpose hall.

Odedeyi said improving fish production through sustainable fisheries is key to meeting current demand without affecting future supply. He noted that this approach can create jobs, increase foreign exchange earnings, raise living standards, and help protect endangered fish species.

He added that Nigeria has abundant freshwater and marine resources, with nine coastal states along the Atlantic Ocean, making fisheries important for economic growth.

The professor said aquaculture is growing in Nigeria and called for greater focus on breeding fish species under controlled conditions. He explained that understanding the natural biology of fish is necessary to replicate suitable environments for cultivation.

He also highlighted rising fish prices, linking them to overfishing, environmental degradation, and poor aquaculture practices.

According to him, Nigeria produces about 1.2 million metric tonnes of fish annually, with most of it consumed locally. He said this has contributed to food insecurity in many households.

Odedeyi identified key challenges affecting the sector, including overfishing, pollution, habitat loss, weak enforcement of regulations, climate change, poor infrastructure, and limited data on local fish species.

He advised the government to invest in research on indigenous fish species to support aquaculture production beyond African catfish. He also called for stronger extension services to improve collaboration between researchers and fish farmers.

The professor urged farmers to diversify into other local fish species with aquaculture potential. He added that more investment in manpower and technology is needed to improve output and ensure sustainability.

He also raised concerns about pollution, warning that studies have found high levels of metals in fish from some rivers in Ondo State, posing health risks. He called for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and regulation of fishing practices.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, said inaugural lectures provide an opportunity for scholars to share research findings. He commended Odedeyi for focusing on practical solutions to improve protein supply, support farmers, create jobs, and strengthen food security.