The House of Representatives at its plenary session on Wednesday 24 January 2018 mandated the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services and the Committee on Water Resources to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders to draft a policy framework for the implementation of a phased ban on the importation of fish and fish products into the country. The framework is intended at creating an enabling environment for increased private sector investment in the fisheries sub-sector so that Nigeria can become self-sufficient in fish production within a period of two (2) years.
Presenting the motion on the House, Hon. Tasir Olawale Raji (APC:Lagos) stated that the diversification of the economy away from crude oil through key sectors such as agriculture remained pivotal to the realization of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the present administration. He said the fisheries sub-sector, which is a vital component of Nigeria’s Agricultural sector and the economy, accounted for about 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product despite being largely under-developed and notwithstanding its potential to provide cheap sources of protein, income, employment and foreign exchange.
Speaking further, Hon. Raji stated that local production from artisanal fishing, aquaculture and industrial fishing estimated at about 800,000 metric tonnes accounted for only 30% of the total annual fish demand of 2.7 million metric tonnes in Nigeria which makes importation inevitable to order to meet up with the deficit of about 1.9 million metric tonnes at a cost of about USD 625 million in foreign exchange annually. He also noted that the escalating demand for foreign exchange for fish importation was not sustainable in the light of the huge pressure on the country’s foreign reserves and fluctuating earnings from crude oil.
Hon. Raji expressed concerns that Nigeria had become a dumping ground for all manners of frozen fish, most of which were of sub-standard quality and highly detrimental to the health of consumers. He advised that the Federal Government vigorously pursue the goal of self-sufficiency in fish production to ensure food security and encourage export.
The House also mandated the Committee on Maritime Safety Education and Administration and Navy to engage with the relevant agencies to protect and monitor the Nigerian fishing waters from non-indigenous fishing operators and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
