Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Federal Government has approved the digitisation of Nigeria’s fish import licence system in a major policy shift aimed at enhancing transparency, curbing inefficiencies and strengthening domestic fish production.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the approval on Monday, directing the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to fast-track the rollout of the new digital platform. The initiative forms part of ongoing reforms to modernise maritime administration and improve regulatory oversight across the fisheries value chain.
According to the Ministry, the move aligns strongly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises economic diversification, food security, job creation and institutional reform as key drivers of national development.
Dr Oyetola described the digitisation project as a “critical reform” that will reposition Nigeria’s fisheries sector for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
“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 new system would simplify processes for legitimate operators, strengthen oversight, promote accountability and support the broader agenda to boost local fish production.
With the transition from manual to automated licensing, the Ministry expects streamlined applications, reduced delays, eliminated duplications and fewer opportunities for human interference or corruption. The digital system will also enable real-time monitoring of import volumes, allowing the government to better assess supply gaps and make evidence-based decisions.
Officials say the improved data analytics will enhance national planning, ensuring that import licences reflect food security needs without undermining domestic producers. Only qualified and duly registered importers will be eligible for approval under the new system, a measure expected to curb illegal or unregulated fish importation.
Dr Oyetola further stressed that the reform is linked to the Ministry’s broader commitment to revitalising local production.
“Nigeria has enormous potential to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production. Our goal is to progressively reduce dependence on imported fish by strengthening local capacity, creating jobs and supporting Nigerian fish farmers to thrive in a more competitive and well-regulated environment,” he noted.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest consumers of fish, yet domestic supply continues to lag behind demand. The Ministry says digitising import licences will help regulate the market more effectively, ensuring that importation supports, rather than stifles the growth of local aquaculture.
