The Vice President, Fisher
Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Abiodun Ogunbona, has called for a boost in local fish production to reduce the nation’s dependency on import.
He told newsmen in Lagos that fish farmers were facing stiffer competition from importers of frozen fishes.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant aquatic resources to meet local food demands and exports.
“Fish importation has become a lucrative business at the expense of local fish farming and processing.
“Importing frozen fish is a national embarrassment.
“ We have seas and rivers harbouring nutritious fish that can be harnessed to cater for local consumption,’’ he said.
Ogunbona, who noted that many of the imported fishes could be unfit for human consumption, added:
“Why should we import frozen dead fish when we have access to locally farmed fresh fish?
“We all need to work toward harnessing our natural resources for the benefit of our economy rather than enriching other nation’s economy through imports.’’
He, however, commended the Federal Government for reducing fish importation by 30 per cent in the last two years.
Ogunbona said agriculture reform, through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, had resulted in upsurge in catfish production.
“Nigeria has become the second largest fish producer in Africa,’’ he said.
According to the president, there is need for government at all levels to empower fish farmers to boost fish production.
“We need to empower them with fingerlings, feeds and fishing equipment.
“We need to create a fishery value chain that can meet our feeding needs and create jobs,’’ he said.
Ogunbona also pointed out that there was need for re-orientation of Nigerians who believe that made-in-Nigeria products were inferior and substandard.
“This is the reason why many people crave for foreign fruits like grapes and apples,’’ he said.

Corlins Walter