“Minister Seeks Investment That Modernises Value Chain, Secures Livelihoods”
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for investments that will modernise Nigeria’s fisheries sector while protecting the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians engaged in artisanal fishing and related activities.
Oyetola made the call when he received a delegation of Turkish fishing investors, CRD Impex, led by Cem Tarhan, in his office, where he assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment for credible local and international investments in the marine and blue economy.
The Minister said the government was ready to support investments that would bring capital, technology, expertise and modern value-chain solutions into the fisheries sector, stressing that such investments must strengthen, rather than displace, local fish producers.
Infrastructure Gaps Create Investment Opportunities
Oyetola identified inadequate infrastructure, limited access to modern fishing technology, processing and storage constraints, weak cold-chain systems and gaps in market access as some of the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s artisanal fisheries sector.
He, however, noted that the challenges also presented significant opportunities for investment, particularly in modernising the fisheries value chain, improving productivity and enhancing the livelihoods of local fish producers.
According to him, the Federal Government’s approach is to transform these challenges into opportunities while ensuring that investments in the sector remain inclusive and sustainable.
“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”, Oyetola said.
Turkish Investors Explore Nigerian Fisheries
The Turkish investment team, CRD Impex, said it was in Nigeria to explore opportunities in the fishing sector.
Tarhan said the company had extensive experience in fisheries and aquaculture in Turkey and was interested in bringing its expertise and investment capacity to Nigeria.
As part of the engagement, the Turkish investors, accompanied by officials of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, visited several fisheries and aquaculture facilities across the country to assess investment opportunities and gain first-hand knowledge of Nigeria’s fisheries value chain.
The facilities visited included the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal in Lagos, Ozumba Mbadiwe Fish Market in Lekki, Lagos, and Esuk Nsidung Beach Market, a major waterfront seafood and trading hub in Esiere Ebom, Henshaw Town, Calabar, Cross River State.
The visits provided an opportunity for the investors to examine existing fisheries infrastructure, interact with stakeholders and identify areas where investment and technical expertise could support the development of Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture industry.
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy said the engagement underscored the government’s efforts to attract investment into the sector while promoting sustainable growth and safeguarding the livelihoods of artisanal fishers.