Norway, Nigeria Step Up Efforts to Expand Fish Export Market

Norway and Nigeria are exploring ways to remove barriers limiting the export of Nigerian fish and aquaculture products to international markets.

The move was discussed at a seafood and aquaculture seminar that brought together Norwegian exporters, Nigerian fish farmers, importers, regulators and government agencies.

Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Baera, said Norway would share its experience in aquaculture to help Nigeria improve fish production, create jobs and strengthen food security.

He said the cooperation would build on more than a century of stockfish trade between the two countries.

Director for Africa and Middle East at the Norwegian Seafood Council, Jonny Haaberg, said Nigeria remains an important market for Norwegian seafood.

He also said Norway was ready to share knowledge from its aquaculture industry to support increased local production in Nigeria.

Fisheries consultant to the Norwegian Seafood Council in Nigeria, Abiodun Oritsejemine Cheke, said the seminar focused on improving production standards and helping Nigerian fish products gain access to foreign markets.

She said better fish-health management, regulatory compliance and sustainable production would be important in meeting international requirements.

The organisers said greater access to overseas markets could attract investment into fish farming and processing, create jobs and increase government revenue.

The seminar also featured discussions on new seafood products and opportunities to expand Nigeria’s fish market.