Nigerian consumers are facing higher fish prices as the depreciation of the naira and the country’s dependence on imported fish continue to push up the cost of popular varieties such as Titus, mackerel and sardine.
The President of the National Fish Association of Nigeria, Dr Ladan Aliyu, said imported fish are purchased in dollars, making them more expensive whenever the naira loses value.
Aliyu spoke in Abuja during the formal presentation of the newly elected NFAN executive to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
He said Nigeria requires about three million metric tonnes of fish annually but produces less than a quarter of that demand.
The supply shortfall, he said, has left the country dependent on imports to meet the needs of consumers.
Aliyu said closing the production gap would help reduce import dependence, improve supply and create better opportunities for local fish farmers.
“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 called for stronger government support for fish farmers through appropriate policies and the provision of necessary inputs to increase local production.
The NFAN president also urged members to embrace the “One Fish, One Voice” initiative to strengthen the sector and improve livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Deputy President of NFAN, Adewale Adeogun, said the increase in the price of Titus was also linked to rising global fish prices.
He stressed that the price increase was not peculiar to Nigeria, expressing optimism that government policies would help ease the pressure on consumers.
The Federal Government also urged the newly elected NFAN executive to promote unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in running the association.
The Director of Commodities and Export Department in the ministry, Mr Usman Bokani, gave the charge during the presentation of the new executive.
Bokani, represented by Deputy Director Mrs Felicia Udeh, commended NFAN for conducting what he described as a free, fair and credible election.
Udeh urged the executives to ensure that the interests of the wider membership remained central to their activities and warned against divisions that could lead to litigation.
The NFAN leadership said stronger collaboration among government, farmers and other stakeholders was necessary to increase domestic fish production and contribute to Nigeria’s food security.
