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The President of Dangote Industries Limited has called for greater investment across Nigeria’s fisheries value chain, saying strategic funding in aquaculture, hatcheries, feed production, processing, cold-chain logistics and export infrastructure could create more than 500,000 jobs, reduce fish imports and position Nigeria as a leading exporter of fisheries products
The call was made during the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos
The event, themed “From Policy to Action: Mobilising Sub-National Governments for Effective Implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy,” brought together government officials, development partners, industry leaders, academics and representatives of state governments to discuss strategies for accelerating the sector’s growth
Represented by the Managing Director of Dangote Port Operations, the Dangote Industries president described Nigeria’s fisheries supply gap as not only a food security challenge but also a major industrial and investment opportunity capable of driving economic growth and supporting MSMEs operating across the agricultural and maritime value chains
He said targeted investments across the fisheries ecosystem, backed by strong private sector participation and supportive government policies, would strengthen food security, reduce dependence on imported fish, conserve foreign exchange earnings and generate more than 500,000 jobs
According to him, the successful implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy will depend largely on sustained private sector investment
He noted that the policy aims to create three million jobs within its first four years, achieve annual sector growth of seven per cent and ensure that at least half of all newly created jobs are reserved for young people between the ages of 18 and 35
He identified policy consistency, quality infrastructure, access to finance and investor confidence as essential requirements for industrial transformation, adding that infrastructure-led industrialisation, value-chain development and stronger public-private partnerships remain the three key pillars needed to unlock the sector’s full potential
He also said the Federal Government’s approval of new deep seaport projects across different parts of the country would encourage the development of industrial clusters that integrate agro-processing, petrochemicals, shipbuilding, maritime technology and cold-chain logistics, creating new opportunities for businesses and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness
The fisheries value chain, he added, remains one of the country’s biggest investment opportunities, noting that Nigeria continues to spend nearly one billion dollars annually on fish imports despite increasing domestic production because local supply still falls short of demand
He further stressed that public-private partnerships should extend beyond financing arrangements to include long-term collaboration among government, private investors, research institutions and coastal communities
According to him, coastal industrial clusters supported by modern ports, Special Economic Zones and digital infrastructure would attract long-term investments and accelerate industrial development
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy urged stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, development partners and the private sector to ensure the effective implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy
The minister said Nigeria had completed the policy development stage and must now focus on implementation capable of delivering measurable economic results
He explained that while the policy provides a framework for developing the country’s oceans, inland waterways, fisheries and coastal renated efforts involving all levels of government
He noted that many of Nigeria’s blue economy assets are located within states and local communities, making sub-national governments key partners in attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening food security and promoting environmental sustainability
The minister added that reforms introduced under the Federal Government’s economic agenda have improved stakeholder engagement, attracted investments, enhanced maritime safety and increased the competitiveness of Nigerian ports
He also disclosed that ongoing port modernisation projects and plans to develop new deep seaports in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Lagos and Ondo states are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West Africa
According to the minister, improvements in port operations have also contributed to Nigeria recording a consistent national trade surplus since 2024
He further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve safety on inland waterways through collaboration with relevant agencies and state governments, nationwide distribution of life jackets and initiatives encouraging the replacement of unsafe wooden passenger boats with modern fibre boats
The minister also urged coastal states to align their development strategies with the national policy by promoting private investment in fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, tourism, shipbuilding, renewable energy and marine biotechnology
For Nigerian MSMEs, the expansion of the blue economy presents significant opportunities in fish farming, seafood processing, logistics, cold storage, marine services, equipment supply and export-oriented businesses, creating new markets while supporting employment and industrial growth across coastal and inland communities
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