The National President of the Nigeria Union of Fish Farmers, Alhaji Sani Usman Rilwanu, has reached out to President Bola Tinubu, expressing grave concerns regarding the rising costs of fish feed and increasing insecurity affecting the industry. In his letter, he noted that approximately 70 percent of fish importers are unable to continue their businesses due to skyrocketing exchange rates.
Despite Nigeria’s position as one of the world’s leading fish-producing nations, Rilwanu highlighted that past administrations have failed to prioritize the sector, missing out on potential value chains that could enhance the nation’s economy. He pointed out that the Federal Government has been forfeiting significant revenue by allowing foreign fishermen to exploit the country’s territorial waters while local fish farmers struggle to keep up with imports.
He explained that many fish farmers nationwide are unable to produce fish locally because of the high costs associated with fish feed, necessary equipment, and ongoing insecurity at key fishing locations. For instance, Borno State, which once contributed about 50 percent of Nigeria’s fish supply, has seen a drastic decline in production due to unrest in the Lake Chad Basin.
“With a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria currently lacks sufficient fish, a vital protein source, for domestic consumption,” Rilwanu stated. He emphasized that local fishermen face challenges related to inadequate expertise, outdated fishing gear, and insufficient government support.
Rilwanu also conveyed optimism regarding President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the push for local government council autonomy. He believes these measures could ultimately address the nation’s challenges and elevate citizens’ living standards.
He acknowledged that members of the union actively participated in the 2023 general elections, reflecting their faith in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The union called on both federal and state governments to invest in the fisheries sector, promoting it as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
Furthermore, Rilwanu praised Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani for his commitment to enhancing fish production, processing, and packaging, aiming to position Kaduna as a hub for the fish business in the northern region.
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