Poor infrastructure, weak cold chain threaten artisanal fishing — Oyetola

ABUJA — Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has identified poor infrastructure, inadequate cold-chain facilities and limited access to modern fishing technology as major challenges threatening the growth of Nigeria’s artisanal fisheries sector.

Oyetola also identified inadequate processing and storage facilities, as well as poor access to markets, among the major constraints facing millions of Nigerians who depend on artisanal fishing and related activities for their livelihoods.

The minister spoke in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, when he received a delegation of Turkish fishing investors from CRD Impex, led by Cem Tarhan, in his office.

He said the challenges confronting the sector also presented significant opportunities for investment, particularly in modernising the fisheries value chain and improving the productivity and livelihoods of local fish producers.

Oyetola said the Federal Government was committed to creating an investment-friendly environment capable of attracting credible local and international investors into the marine and blue economy.

He, however, stressed that new investments in the fisheries sector must not come at the expense of local fishing communities.

According to him, investors are expected to bring capital, technology and expertise that would strengthen the capacity of artisanal fishers rather than displace them.

“We welcome investors who can bring capital, technology, expertise and modern value-chain solutions to the sector. However, investment must be inclusive and sustainable. It must complement and empower our artisanal fish producers, not undermine their livelihoods,” he said.

Oyetola said the government’s strategy was to turn the sector’s existing challenges into opportunities by encouraging investments that would improve infrastructure, processing, storage, preservation and market access.

The Turkish delegation, led by Tarhan, said CRD Impex was exploring investment opportunities in Nigeria’s fisheries sector, noting that the company had extensive experience in fisheries and aquaculture in Turkey.

The investors, accompanied by ministry officials, also visited fisheries and aquaculture facilities in Lagos and Cross River states to assess investment opportunities and gain first-hand knowledge of Nigeria’s fisheries value chain.

Facilities visited included the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ozumba Mbadiwe Fish Market in Lekki, Lagos, and Esuk Nsidung Beach Market, a major seafood and trading hub in Esiere Ebom, Henshaw Town, Calabar.