Nigeria can produce up to 2.5 million metric tonnes of fish annually if it fully harnesses its vast inland water resources through strategic investment in the Blue Economy, a Professor of Genetics Engineering at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Olufeagba Olabode, has said.
Delivering the university’s 39th Inaugural Lecture titled “Fish Genetics and Sustainable Aquaculture: Pathways to Food Security and Blue Economy,” Prof. Olabode disclosed that Nigeria possesses an estimated 12.5 million hectares of inland waters suitable for fish production, with about 7.5 million hectares viable for aquaculture development.
- Kebbi govt announces date for 2026 Argungu fishing festival
- FG urged to establish fisheries institute to boost sector capacity
According to him, optimal deployment and sustainable management of these resources could make Nigeria self-sufficient in fish production, significantly reducing import dependence while strengthening food security.
“The total potential production estimate is 2.5 million tonnes annually, making it possible for Nigeria to be self-sufficient in fish production if available resources are fully deployed and properly managed with sustainability in focus,” he said.
Olabode stressed that fish production remains the fastest-growing livestock sector globally, but noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with high feed costs, inadequate improved fish stocks, shortage of skilled manpower, and limited funding for genetic improvement programmes.
He explained that genetic improvement of fish species would enhance growth performance, increase yield, and build resilience against emerging environmental and production challenges, positioning aquaculture as a strong driver of the Blue Economy.
The professor described the Blue Economy as the sustainable use of ocean, sea, and inland water resources to support economic growth, job creation, and livelihoods while safeguarding marine ecosystems. He added that fisheries and aquaculture play a central role in transforming aquatic resources into sustainable economic opportunities.
“With Nigeria’s abundant water resources and growing pool of trained personnel, the country is well-positioned to achieve near self-sufficiency in fish production in the near future,” he stated.
The lecture comes amid renewed calls for diversification of Nigeria’s food systems through climate-smart aquaculture and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.
