In a significant boost to food security and economic diversification, Nigeria achieved a remarkable increase in its domestic fish output during the 2025 calendar year. Official figures reveal the country produced an additional 300,000 metric tonnes of fish, marking the first positive growth in this sector in over ten years.
Ministerial Drive and Sectoral Reforms
Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the spokesman for the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed this achievement in a statement issued on 9 January 2026. He attributed this milestone to the determined efforts of the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, who has spearheaded a series of reforms since assuming office in August 2023.
Dr. Akinola described the production boost as clear evidence of the ministry's commitment to reducing Nigeria's heavy reliance on imported fish. The strategy focuses on enhancing food security, creating employment opportunities, and generating value across the entire fisheries and aquaculture chain.
Breaking Long-Standing Jinxes
The statement highlighted several critical obstacles that were dismantled in 2025, which had constrained the maritime and blue economy sector for decades. A landmark achievement was the definitive resolution of the Apapa gridlock. This notorious traffic congestion had paralyzed the Lagos port corridor for more than 20 years, severely disrupting trade.
"By early 2024, sustained policy coordination, operational discipline and infrastructure optimisation delivered lasting relief to Apapa and its environs," Akinola stated. The clearing of this gridlock led to a significant reduction in cargo dwell time, lowered logistics costs, and improved overall port efficiency, restoring the Lagos ports as functional hubs for commerce.
Another major breakthrough was Nigeria's successful return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in 2025, after a 14-year absence. This return, following a keenly contested election, restored the country's standing in global maritime decision-making and strengthened its influence in shaping international regulations.
Infrastructure and Financial Milestones
The ministry also secured approval in 2025 for Nigeria's first comprehensive port upgrade and modernization project in over 50 years. This move aims to align the nation's ports with global standards, attract larger vessels, and position Nigeria as a leading maritime and logistics hub for West and Central Africa.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) resolved a 16-year stalemate. This bank is now expected to facilitate long-term funding for shipping, port development, and maritime services, providing the necessary financial backbone for sustained growth and deeper regional integration.
The Road Ahead for Indigenous Operators
Looking forward, Dr. Akinola assured that the ministry remains firmly committed to supporting indigenous ship owners. The goal is to implement policies that will enable them to thrive and compete on an equal footing with foreign operators, further entrenching the gains of the sector's transformation.
These collective reforms, according to the ministry, have restored investor confidence, improved sectoral performance, and successfully repositioned the marine and blue economy as a critical pillar of Nigeria's economic diversification agenda.
