The Federal Government is seeking to attract fresh investment into Nigeria’s fisheries sector while protecting the livelihoods of millions of artisanal fishers who depend on the industry.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this on Thursday when he received a Turkish fishing investment company, CRD Impex, led by Cem Tarhan, in his office.
Oyetola said the government would welcome investments capable of injecting capital, technology and expertise into the fisheries value chain, but stressed that such investments must complement existing local operators.
He identified poor infrastructure, limited access to modern fishing technology, inadequate processing and storage facilities, weak cold-chain systems and poor market access as major constraints limiting the growth of artisanal fisheries.
The minister, however, said the challenges also offered opportunities for investors seeking to modernise the sector and improve the productivity and income of local fish producers.
“We welcome investors who can bring capital, technology, expertise and modern value-chain solutions to the sector. However, investment must be inclusive and sustainable. It must complement and empower our artisanal fish producers, not undermine their livelihoods,” he said.
Oyetola assured the Turkish investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing an investment-friendly environment for credible local and international investors in the marine and blue economy.
Tarhan said CRD Impex was in Nigeria to explore investment opportunities in the fishing sector, noting that the company had extensive experience in fisheries and aquaculture in Turkey.
The investors, accompanied by officials of the ministry, also visited fisheries and aquaculture facilities in Lagos and Cross River State to assess opportunities across Nigeria’s fisheries value chain.
The facilities visited included the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ozumba Mbadiwe Fish Market in Lekki, Lagos, and Esuk Nsidung Beach Market in Esiere Ebom, Henshaw Town, Calabar.
The visits were aimed at giving the investors first-hand insight into the country’s fisheries operations and identifying areas where foreign capital, technology and expertise could support the sector.
