The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved the digitisation of Nigeria’s fish import licensing process, to strengthen transparency, efficiency and regulatory oversight in the fisheries sector.
Oyetola disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement signed by his special adviser Dr.Bolaji Akinola.
Dr. Oyetola directed the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to fast-track implementation of the digital platform as part of the government’s drive to modernise marine administration and support domestic fish production.
The Minister said the initiative aligns with President Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, food security, job creation and institutional reforms.
According to Oyetola, the reform will eliminate administrative bottlenecks and improve accountability in the licensing process.
“The digitisation of fish import licensing is a major step towards eliminating administrative bottlenecks, improving transparency and ensuring that our regulatory processes align with global best practices,” he said.
He added that the move would simplify procedures for genuine operators while strengthening government oversight to support the broader goal of boosting local fish production.
The Ministry said the transition from manual licensing to a digital system is expected to streamline applications, minimise delays, eliminate duplications and reduce opportunities for human interference and inefficiencies.
It noted that the automated framework would also enhance real-time data monitoring, enabling the government to track import volumes, evaluate supply gaps and implement evidence-based policies that reflect national food security priorities.
The statement further said the digital platform would strengthen regulatory compliance by ensuring that only qualified and duly registered importers obtain licences, while curbing illegal and unregulated importation that has historically undermined local aquaculture investments.
Oyetola stressed that the reform is linked to the Ministry’s commitment to revitalising domestic fish production and reducing dependence on imported fish.
“Nigeria has enormous potential to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production, and we must create policies that encourage investment in local aquaculture while responsibly managing importation,” he said.
He added that the goal is to progressively reduce reliance on imported fish by strengthening local capacity, creating jobs and supporting Nigerian fish farmers to thrive in a more competitive and well-regulated environment.
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest consumers of fish, with demand consistently outpacing local supply, prompting renewed calls for strategic investments in aquaculture and improved fisheries management.
The Ministry described the digitisation of fish import licensing as a critical regulatory tool to ensure importation does not stifle domestic production growth.
