Unlock Nigeria’s ₦25tr fish economy through policy, investment — Nnadi

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigeria’s fish economy, estimated at ₦25 trillion, holds enormous potential for food security, employment, wealth creation and sustainable development if properly harnessed, a maritime expert, Dera Nnadi, mni, has said.

Nnadi, Trade, Maritime and Customs Consultant and Chief Consulting Officer, Port Protocols Limited, stated this in his goodwill message at the National Conference on Sustainable Fishing with the theme, “Sustainable fishing in Nigeria: Pathways to growth, food security and coastal livelihoods.”

He described fish as a sustainable staple for Nigerians, noting that beyond its importance as a source of food and nutrition, some fish species also possess significant ornamental value.

According to him, Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources of both consumable and ornamental fish, creating enormous opportunities for economic development, employment generation and wealth creation.
Nnadi said the estimated ₦25 trillion value of Nigeria’s fish economy was approximately seven and a half times the entire 2025 budget of Lagos State, stressing that the comparison underscored the enormous economic significance of the sector.

“The significance of this comparison becomes clearer when we appreciate the position of Lagos as one of Nigeria’s largest and most economically important states,” he said.

The maritime consultant said his long-standing interest in sustainable development had become stronger since his retirement, particularly in finding ways to transform Nigeria’s abundant natural resources into sustainable economic opportunities.

He explained that his presence at the conference was not merely to participate, but to demonstrate solidarity with the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARCON) and other stakeholders who identified the fish economy as an important but often underappreciated sector deserving of serious national attention.

“I am here today—not merely to participate, but to show my solidarity with MARCON and with all of you for identifying the fish economy as an important and often underappreciated sector of our national economy deserving of serious attention and a dedicated conference,” Nnadi said.

He commended the organisers for providing a platform for stakeholders to examine the opportunities, challenges and possibilities within Nigeria’s fish economy.

Nnadi urged participants to ensure that the conference went beyond discussions and produced a clear, practical and implementable fish economic policy framework capable of guiding government, investors, producers, traders and other stakeholders.

He also called for a strong communique that would capture the collective wisdom of participants and provide a roadmap for unlocking the sector’s potential.

“The opportunity before us is enormous. What we need now is the awareness, policy commitment, investment and coordinated action to unlock it,” he said.

Nnadi congratulated MARCON and all participants for organising the conference, expressing optimism that its deliberations would contribute to the development of a more sustainable and productive fish economy in Nigeria.