The minister revealed the information during a meeting with fisheries cooperative groups in Abuja, according to a statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the minister’s special adviser on media and communications.

According to him, the government is committed to reestablishing the industry as a vital engine for job creation, food security, and export growth.   Oyetola stated that Nigeria needs to set a new path for fish production self-sufficiency and that the Federal Government is totally dedicated to helping the fisheries and aquaculture subsector through financial inclusion, technical assistance, and policy.

“We will reposition the sector for sustainable growth, decrease reliance on imports, and increase domestic fish production,” he declared.

The Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (FCFN), the Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association of Nigeria (TADAN), the Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN), Women in Fish Farming and Aquaculture, and the Practicing Farmers Association of Nigeria were among the key industry participants in the meeting.

Oyetola revealed that through start-up grants and other support programs, the Ministry is stepping up its efforts to empower women and young people.  He went on to say: “In addition to being essential for food supply, increasing youth involvement in aquaculture is a calculated way to lower unemployment.

“We are dedicated to making sure that women and young people are not left behind in this change.”

Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, stated in his welcoming speech that the meeting was a fulfillment of the Minister’s pledges made at the Ministry’s second-quarter engagement with stakeholders and residents, which took place in Lagos on July 3.

In order to promote inclusive growth, he reaffirmed the Ministry’s willingness to form long-lasting alliances with cooperative societies.