The image is a surprisingly ironic symbol of the state of Nigerian fisheries in general. The country enjoys more than 850 km of coastline, as well as an enviable number of well-stocked rivers, inland lakes, lagoons and streams. The topography, soil composition, and rainfall patterns in this part of sub-Saharan Africa support an abundance of aquatic life in fresh, brackish, and saltwater ecosystems. However, tilapia, catfish, carp and other freshwater species account for 80% of all farming in Nigeria, and commercial sea trawling and deep sea fishing remain relatively underexploited operations. Although credible data on the sector is extremely limited, media reports indicate that the fishing business contributed $60 million to the national economy in 2008, or approximately 4% of total agricultural production. The sector currently accounts for 40% of the country’s total animal protein intake and provides employment and livelihoods to more than 3 million people, although its contribution to the economy is minimal.
Estimated annual fish farming was pegged at 120,000 tons in the 1960s. The figure had halved by the beginning of the next decade and continues to fall; current national production is around 400,000 tons. The sudden reversal of fortunes came with the oil boom of the 1970s, when the discovery of vast reserves of oil and natural gas radically altered official priorities. Economic diversification stalled as Abuja continued to pump millions of oil profits into further exploration, sidelining all other sectors. Endemic poverty descended on much of rural Nigeria as traditional livelihoods began to disappear. The absence of inclusive growth fueled ethnic tensions and led to decades of civil war and recurring military takeovers toward the end of the last century. Despite its sizeable foreign exchange earnings, human development indicators generally plummeted as the Nigerian economy became increasingly oil-dependent and unsustainable.
National ambitions were renewed with the re-establishment of civilian rule in 1999, when Abuja embarked on a comprehensive program of economic reform and restructuring. The government of former President O Obsanjo adopted a comprehensive roadmap based on the goal of making Nigeria a major player in regional and global affairs. Specifically, Obsanjo’s Vision 2020 document calls for industry-wide initiatives to propel Nigeria into the top 20 world economies within a given time frame. The current dispensation under President UM Yar’Adua remains committed to not only achieving the 2020 target, but also the UN Millennium Development Goals of universal basic human rights.
It is in this sense that the fisheries sector presents unique opportunities as a poverty alleviation strategy and as a tool for rapid business growth. Current levels of fish farming meet only a fraction of local requirements, and exports have to cover nearly 95% of annual demand. Nigeria is, in fact, the main importer of fish from the African continent, with more than 1.5 million tons of fish per year in international markets. Unofficial estimates suggest that less than 10% of the country’s fish farming potential is currently being used, with up to 60,000 hectares of unused land available to expand the sector. The fact is that Nigeria’s vast natural resources and human capital can be harnessed to promote extensive fishing as a means of ensuring not only exports but also food security. At least in principle, the Nigerian fishing industry has a lot to look forward to.
Due to its extensive coastline and tropical climate, Nigeria has the potential to develop a diversified ecology for a range of commercially viable fish varieties. The economic appeal behind fishing is tremendous, considering the secondary and tertiary businesses it can generate. More efficient methods of inland farming and coastal trolling, executed in an export-oriented environment, can stimulate the rapid growth of next-generation industries. Fishing, by itself, has the potential to drive considerable business development, transforming rural economies and generating direct and indirect employment opportunities in the process. Abuja’s primary responsibility lies in providing opportunities for the export of fish and fishery products to international markets. Although actionable data on the subject is lacking, the aggregate economic loss due to reduced local fishery production is significant and needs focused policy initiatives to correct.
The business potential of this sector is doubly significant due to the nature of the business. The fishery relies heavily on small and medium-scale ancillary industries such as canning, net making and boat building, while supporting an additional base of storage, processing and marketing activities. The net scope for employment generation, business development and poverty eradication through these allied activities make fisheries deeply relevant to Nigeria’s quest for inclusive economic growth.
These are some of the most compelling arguments in favor of a rapid expansion of fishing activities:
I. Aquaculture provides opportunities for optimal land use, allowing areas not suitable for cultivation to be converted into economically productive ponds and fisheries.
II. The targeted expansion of artisanal and small-scale fisheries can help rapidly turn around rural economies by creating jobs and stimulating entrepreneurial activity.
third In disadvantaged areas and among rural communities, sustainable fish farming can help improve both nutrition and living standards.
IV. Nigeria’s highly diversified tropical ecology makes brackish and freshwater fisheries an almost zero opportunity cost endeavor with infinite growth potential.
In early 2008, the fishing industry in Nigeria’s coastal state of Akwa Ibom came to a standstill in a wave of extortion and ship seizures unleashed by maritime pirates. The attacks forced the trawlers to go on indefinite strike, crippling the local economy and causing a terrible loss of revenue for the regional council. While this particular situation was eventually resolved, security remains just one of several overarching challenges constraining the expansion of Nigerian fisheries:
o The absence of a sustainable and progressive fisheries policy represents a key obstacle, with lax government regulation routinely forcing small-scale operations out of business.
o Population expansion in coastal areas is leading to overfishing and unscientific practices, destroying marine ecosystems and threatening underwater environments.
o Organized fishing attracts high capital expenditure in Nigeria as most of the necessary equipment, boats, food, technology and knowledge must be imported.
o Infrastructure deficits severely hamper the storage, transportation and marketing of fish in rural areas, making profitable urban markets unavailable to traditional fishing communities.
o Despite specific government efforts, deep-sea commercial fishing is beyond the reach of local entrepreneurs; activity remains limited to the realm of foreign-owned companies.
Although the sector continues to receive sporadic government support and funding, the impact of these measures has so far been considerably curtailed due to a lack of awareness and effective implementation. Special schemes to promote fishing in target communities have also failed due to little awareness of the profitability of the business. Changing this mindset could well be one of the defining challenges facing the Nigerian fishing industry. The nation’s history and unique circumstances will undoubtedly test your resolve to accomplish formidable goals. Hopefully the fervor of the Argungu fishermen and their search for the biggest fish will provide some creative inspiration!