The image is a surprisingly ironic symbol of the state of Nigerian fisheries in general. The country enjoys more than 850 km of coastline, as well as an enviable number of well-stocked rivers, inland lakes, lagoons, and streams. The topography, soil composition, and rainfall patterns in this part of sub-Saharan Africa support an abundance of aquatic life in fresh, brackish, and saltwater ecosystems. However, tilapia, catfish, carp and other freshwater species account for 80% of all farming in Nigeria, and commercial marine trawling and deep-sea fishing remain relatively underexploited operations. Although credible data on the sector is extremely limited, media reports indicate that the fishing business contributed $60 million to the national economy in 2008, or approximately 4% of total agricultural production. The sector currently represents 40% of the total intake of animal protein in the country and offers employment and sustenance to more than 3 million people, although its contribution to the economy is minimal.
The estimated annual fish culture was pegged at 120,000 tonnes in the 1960s. The figure had halved by the beginning of the next decade and continues to fall; the current national production is around 400,000 tons. The sudden change in fortunes came with the oil boom of the 1970s, when the discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves radically altered official priorities. Economic diversification stalled as Abuja continued to pump millions of oil profits into further exploration, sidelining all other sectors. Endemic poverty descended on much of rural Nigeria as traditional livelihoods began to disappear. The absence of inclusive growth inflamed ethnic tensions and led to decades of civil war and recurring military takeovers towards the end of the last century. Despite its considerable foreign exchange earnings, human development indicators plummeted across the board as the Nigerian economy became increasingly oil-dependent and unsustainable.
National ambitions were renewed with the restoration of civilian rule in 1999, when Abuja embarked on a vast program of economic reform and restructuring. The government of former President O Obsanjo adopted a comprehensive roadmap based on the goal of making Nigeria a major player in regional and global affairs. Specifically, Obsanjo’s Vision 2020 document calls for industry-wide initiatives to propel Nigeria into the top 20 global economies within a given time frame. The current dispensation under President UM Yar’Adua remains committed to not only achieving the 2020 target, but also the UN Millennium Development Goals of universal basic human rights.
It is in this sense that the fishing sector presents unique opportunities as a poverty alleviation strategy and as a tool for rapid business growth. Current fish farming levels meet only a fraction of local requirements, and exports have to cover almost 95% of annual demand. Nigeria is, in fact, the main importer of fish from the African continent, with more than 1.5 million tons of fish a year in international markets. Unofficial estimates suggest that less than 10% of the country’s fish farming potential is currently being used, with up to 60,000 hectares of unused land available to expand the sector. The fact is that Nigeria’s vast natural resources and human capital can be harnessed to promote extensive fishing as a means to ensure not only exports but also food security. At least in principle, the Nigerian fishing industry has a lot to look forward to.
Due to its long coastline and tropical climate, Nigeria has the potential to develop a diversified ecology for a range of commercially viable fish varieties. The economic appeal behind fishing is tremendous, considering the secondary and tertiary businesses it can generate. More efficient methods of inland farming and coastal trolling, executed in an export-oriented environment, can stimulate the rapid growth of state-of-the-art industries. Fishing, by itself, has the potential to drive considerable business development, transforming rural economies and generating direct and indirect employment opportunities in the process. Abuja’s main responsibility lies in providing opportunities for the export of fish and fishery products to international markets. Although actionable data on the subject is lacking, the aggregate economic loss due to reduced local fish production is significant and needs focused policy initiatives to correct it.
The business potential of this sector is doubly significant due to the nature of the business. Fisheries are highly dependent on small- and medium-scale ancillary industries such as canning, net-making, and boat-building, while supporting an additional base of storage, processing, and marketing activities. The net scope for employment generation, business development and poverty eradication through these allied activities make fisheries deeply relevant to Nigeria’s quest for inclusive economic growth.
These are some of the most compelling arguments in favor of a rapid expansion of fishing activities:
I. Aquaculture provides opportunities for optimal land use, allowing unsuitable areas for farming to be converted into economically productive ponds and fisheries.
II. Targeted expansion of artisanal and small-scale fisheries can help rapidly change rural economies by creating jobs and stimulating entrepreneurship.
third In deprived areas and among rural communities, sustainable fish farming can help improve both nutrition and living standards.
IV. Nigeria’s highly diversified tropical ecology makes brackish and freshwater fishing a near-zero opportunity cost endeavor with infinite growth potential.
In early 2008, the fishing industry in Nigeria’s coastal state of Akwa Ibom came to a standstill in a wave of extortion and boat seizures unleashed by maritime pirates. The attacks forced the trawlers to go on an indefinite strike, crippling the local economy and causing a terrible loss of revenue for the regional council. While this particular situation was eventually resolved, security remains just one of several paramount challenges restricting the expansion of fishing in Nigeria:
o The absence of a sustainable and progressive fisheries policy represents a key obstacle, with lax government regulation routinely forcing small-scale operations out of business.
o Population expansion in coastal areas is leading to overfishing and unscientific practices, destroying marine ecosystems and threatening underwater environments.
o Organized fishing attracts high capital expenditure in Nigeria as most of the necessary equipment, boats, food, technology and knowledge must be imported.
o Infrastructure deficits severely hamper the storage, transport and marketing of fish in rural areas, making profitable urban markets unavailable to traditional fishing communities.
o Despite specific government efforts, deep-sea commercial fishing is out of reach for local entrepreneurs; activity remains limited to the realm of foreign-owned companies.
Although the sector continues to receive sporadic support and funding from the government, the impact of these measures has so far been considerably restricted due to a lack of awareness and effective implementation. Special schemes to promote fishing in targeted communities have also failed due to low awareness of the profitability of the business. Changing this mindset could well be one of the defining challenges facing the Nigerian seafood industry. The nation’s history and its unique circumstances will undoubtedly test your resolve to achieve formidable goals. Hopefully the fervor of the Argungu fishermen and their search for the biggest fish will provide some creative inspiration!
