The National Fish Association of Nigeria has blamed the rising price of fish in Nigerian markets on the depreciation of the naira and the country’s continued dependence on imported fish.
The association’s President, Dr Ladan Aliyu, stated this in Abuja during the formal presentation of the newly elected NFAN executive to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Aliyu said Nigeria currently produces less than a quarter of the estimated three million metric tonnes of fish required annually.
He said the supply gap had increased the country’s dependence on imports, putting pressure on prices amid foreign exchange challenges.
According to him, imported fish such as Titus, mackerel and sardine are purchased in dollars, making them more expensive whenever the naira loses value.
Aliyu called for stronger collaboration between government and fish farmers to boost local production and reduce dependence on imports.
“We have to come together as a formidable and sustainable cooperative society. We train the farmers, make sure the government comes in as a partner and provide the inputs and policies required for fish production,” he said.
He said increased local production would create more opportunities for fish farmers, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to Nigeria’s food security.
The NFAN president also called on members to embrace the association’s “One Fish, One Voice” initiative to promote unity and strengthen the sector.
Earlier, the Director of Commodities and Export Department in the ministry, Mr Usman Bokani, charged the newly elected executives to promote unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
Bokani, represented by a Deputy Director, Mrs Felicia Udeh, commended NFAN for conducting what he described as a free, fair and credible election.
He urged the new executives to make the interests of the wider membership central to their administration.
Udeh warned against divisions that could lead to litigation, urging the executives to work together as a family.
The NFAN president thanked the ministry and other stakeholders for their support, describing the presentation of the new executive as a milestone in efforts to unite stakeholders in the fishery and aquaculture sector.
The Deputy President of NFAN, Adewale Adeogun, also said the rising price of Titus was not peculiar to Nigeria, noting that global fish prices had increased.
He expressed optimism that government policies would eventually help ease the pressure on fish prices.
The representative of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria, Pastor Isaac Ojonugwa, congratulated the new executives and pledged the federation’s support.
He urged them to work with their predecessors and strengthen links among stakeholders across the fishery value chain.
