Nigeria's fisheries industry is poised for significant growth in global seafood markets, particularly in the United States and the European Union. Recently, the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture was transferred to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, marking a strategic shift aimed at enhancing the sector's sustainability and compliance with international standards [038b6cfc].
During a September 2024 inspection, Nigeria achieved 100% compliance with Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) regulations, which is crucial for accessing these lucrative markets. This marks Nigeria's 15th TED recertification, a significant milestone that underscores the country's commitment to sustainable fishing practices [038b6cfc]. Minister Adegboyega Oyetola emphasized the importance of this achievement during a recent validation and recertification exercise held in Lagos, highlighting the dual focus on sustainability and market access [29dbda89].
Nigeria currently produces approximately 1.2 million metric tons of fish annually, with 90% consumed domestically. However, the annual per capita fish consumption in Nigeria stands at 11.3 kg, significantly below the global average of 21 kg. The country spends around USD 1 billion annually on fish imports, indicating a pressing need to boost domestic production and exports [038b6cfc].
The recertification is expected to enhance Nigeria's shrimp exports and improve access to global markets. Stakeholders, including Wellington Omoragbon, expressed optimism that successful compliance with TEDs could open doors to increased exports. Jared Milton also commended Nigeria's ongoing conservation efforts, which are essential for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems while boosting the fisheries sector [29dbda89].
In the context of international seafood trade, Nigeria's efforts come at a time when other countries, such as Japan and India, face challenges related to seafood exports. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has recently demanded that China lift its import ban on Japanese seafood products as a precondition for resuming free trade negotiations. This ban, imposed after the Fukushima disaster, has significantly impacted Japan's seafood industry, which relies heavily on exports to China [d1bda234].
Similarly, India is grappling with a ban on wild-caught shrimps imposed by the United States due to non-compliance with TED regulations. This has led to economic losses for Indian fishers and raised concerns about the sustainability of the industry. The Seafood Exporters Association of India is advocating for compliance measures to mitigate these challenges and protect the domestic industry from price fluctuations [b5fd5956].
As Nigeria navigates its path toward greater access to US and EU shrimp markets, the experiences of Japan and India highlight the importance of adhering to international standards and regulations in the seafood industry. The outcomes of these efforts will not only influence Nigeria's economic landscape but also contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable fisheries and global trade dynamics [29dbda89] [d1bda234] [b5fd5956].