Introduction

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country with an estimated 224 million people, over 853 kilometers of coastline and an extensive network of inland water bodies. The fishing industry, which encompasses both capture fisheries and fish farming, contributes immensely to employment and rural livelihoods across Nigeria. Nonetheless, this industry is not just a source of livelihood for millions of Nigerians, it also contributes to the nation’s food security.

According to World Fish, Nigeria produces 1.2 million metric tons of fish annually and out of this, 90% is consumed domestically. However, the annual per capita fish consumption stands at a mere 11.3 kg, which is considerably below the global average of 21 kg. This deficit necessitates the importation of fish, thereby costing the country billions in foreign exchange to cover 45% of its supply. Nigeria’s fishing industry has industrious individuals working to facilitate its growth but despite their contribution to national food development, the industry is riddled with challenges that hamper its growth and sustainability.

Structure of the Fishing Industry

Fundamentally, Nigeria’s fishing industry comprises three sectors:

• Artisanal
• Industrial
• Aquaculture.

The most dominant sector is the artisanal fishing sector which contributes over 80% of fish produce. It involves small-scale fishers which operate along coastal areas and who utilise traditional fishing methods. These fisherfolks are found in every Nigerian coastal state such as Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. They are also found around the inland regions and communities surrounding Lake Chad, River Niger and River Benue, as well as smaller rivers in which freshwater fishing can be carried out.

The industrial sector is smaller in volume and involves mechanised fishing vessels which target deep-sea species, while aquaculture, fish farming in controlled environments, is on the increase as a method of reducing over-reliance on natural water bodies in fish farming. These fish farming sectors yield a number of fish species especially croakers, tilapias and catfish which are consumed locally by Nigerians. Of these, catfish is the centre-piece of Nigeria’s aquaculture industry due to its adaptability to local conditions and its high demand.

Challenges Facing the Fishing Industry

Nevertheless, Nigeria’s fishing industry suffers decline and is plagued by numerous challenges. In 2016, total fish production was reported at 1,041,458 metric tons, and aquaculture production, which reached over 259,100 metric tons in 2022, has shown a decreasing trend since 2016.

One of the notable challenges is overfishing, both legal and illegal. Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has cost Nigeria an estimated $70 million annually in lost revenue which, of course, has dealt a huge blow to the country’s economic state. Also, the presence of invasive species like water hyacinth and all forms of pollution have put further strain on fish habitats and reduced fish yield. Furthermore, lack of access to cold storage facilities, modern processing equipment and efficient transportation have led to high post-harvest losses. In some cases, up to 40% of the daily catch is lost due to spoilage, thereby reducing the profitability of fishing as a livelihood.

Opportunities for Growth and Transformation

In spite of these challenges, there is potential for transformation as Nigeria is well-positioned to expand its fish production if there would be better management of its vast coastline. Investments in aquaculture have already shown promise, with private sector-led hatcheries, feed mills and processing plants emerging across the country.

However, to fully maximise the potential of the fishing industry, several strategic actions need to be put in place such as implementing stricter regulation and monitoring to combat IUU fishing, rehabilitating degraded water bodies and improving infrastructure in fishing communities. Policy reforms that ensure equitable access to resources, as well as community-driven co-management of fisheries, can also create a platform for more sustainable practices.

Finally, there should also be support for fisherwomen who form a crucial but often overlooked part of the value chain, especially in the processing and marketing of fish. This is a gap that the Enatta Foundation efficiently bridges and this has led to a lasting impact on the fishing industry at the local level.

Conclusion

In all, Nigeria’s fishing industry holds profound promise for poverty reduction, employment increase, inclusion and boosting economic growth if accurate policies are implemented and individuals do their part in creating healthier waterways for fishes to thrive.