According to a statement issued by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Oyetola made the news while meeting with fisheries cooperative groups in Abuja.
The minister underlined that the government is dedicated to reestablishing the industry as a vital component of export growth, job creation, and food security.

According to Oyetola, Nigeria needs to set a new direction for fish production in order to become self-sufficient. “The Federal Government is totally dedicated to providing financial inclusion, technical assistance, and policy support to the fisheries and aquaculture subsector.”

“We will reposition the sector for sustainable growth, reduce reliance on imports, and scale up domestic fish production,” he continued.

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 important industry participants who attended the meeting.

Oyetola also emphasized the Ministry’s continuous measures to empower young people and women in the field, such as the offering of start-up funding and other forms of assistance.

“In addition to being essential for food production, increasing youth participation in aquaculture is a strategic solution to reduce unemployment,” he stated. “We are committed to ensuring that young people and women are not left behind in this transformation.”

The meeting met commitments made during the Ministry’s second-quarter citizens and stakeholders engagement, which was held in Lagos on July 3, according to Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who gave the welcome address.

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