Oyetola Moves to Boost Nigeria’s Fish Production, Inaugurates Technical Committee

Oyetola Moves to Boost Nigeria’s Fish Production, Inaugurates Technical Committee

*CAPTION* 

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (middle) with members of the Technical Committee on Accelerating Fish Production in Nigeria during the inauguration of the committer in Abuja on Thursday.

... Says recommendations must be realistic, evidence-based and financially responsible, while delivering tangible gains in fish production, job creation and food security.

Bisi Akingbade 

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has moved to translate recommendations on boosting fish production in Nigeria into concrete action, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, inaugurating a technical committee to drive implementation.

Oyetola, who inaugurated the "Technical Committee on Accelerating Fish Production in Nigeria" in Abuja on Thursday, said the initiative was aimed at moving beyond policy recommendations to coordinated action capable of delivering measurable improvements in the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

He said fish remained a critical source of animal protein for millions of Nigerians, while the fisheries and aquaculture value chain provided livelihoods through production, processing, marketing, transportation and other related services.

"Fish is an important source of animal protein for millions of Nigerians. The fisheries and aquaculture sector sustains livelihoods across production, processing, marketing, transportation and related services. However, domestic production remains substantially below national demand, with consequences for food security, household incomes and foreign-exchange resources," he said. 

Oyetola identified high production costs, particularly the cost of feed, inadequate access to quality fish seed and broodstock, weak fish-health and biosecurity systems, post-harvest losses and insufficient cold-chain and storage infrastructure among the major challenges confronting the sector.

He also cited limited access to affordable finance, gaps in research and innovation, weak data systems, as well as inadequate standards, traceability and market development as constraints that must be urgently addressed.

According to the Minister, "The transfer of fisheries and aquaculture functions to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has provided a stronger institutional platform for addressing these challenges as part of Nigeria’s broader blue-economy development." 

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to increasing sustainable domestic fish production, strengthening the fisheries value chain and progressively reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fish imports.

The Minister recalled that the ministry, in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), convened a strategic roundtable on October 29, 2025 on accelerating fish production in Nigeria, which produced recommendations aimed at addressing production and value-chain constraints. 

He said the newly inaugurated committee had been constituted to rigorously assess those recommendations and turn validated proposals into a practical, prioritised implementation roadmap.

“Your assignment is not to develop another policy or establish a parallel programme,” Oyetola told members of the committee, stressing that the report of the roundtable must be assessed against the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, relevant laws, existing government programmes and the statutory mandates of relevant institutions.

He charged the committee to scrutinise every recommendation and determine whether it should be adopted, refined, integrated into existing frameworks, subjected to further study or set aside as unviable.

The committee is also expected to map existing initiatives across the public, private and development sectors to strengthen proven strategies and prevent duplication in the deployment of scarce resources. 

"Your final output should include a clear implementation roadmap and matrix setting out the priority interventions, responsible institutions, timelines, indicative costs, funding options, performance indicators and required approvals. It should also identify credible opportunities for private-sector investment, public-private partnerships, development finance and other sustainable funding arrangements," he said. 

The minister urged members of the technical committee, drawn from government, academia, professional bodies, research institutions and industry, to approach the assignment with urgency, objectivity and a strong focus on results.

He said their recommendations must be realistic, evidence-based and financially responsible, while delivering tangible gains in fish production, job creation and food security.

Oyetola assured the committee of the ministry’s institutional support and expressed confidence that its work would provide a practical pathway for accelerating growth in Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. 

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and Chairman of the committee, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood, assured that the committee would approach its mandate with a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that the recommendations of the roundtable would be thoroughly reviewed and translated into practical interventions capable of delivering measurable results.

She said the committee would work closely with relevant government institutions, researchers, industry stakeholders and development partners to identify priority actions, address existing gaps and develop a realistic implementation roadmap to accelerate sustainable fish production, strengthen the fisheries value chain and contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.

A member of the committee, Prof Akintola Shehu Latunji, Professor of Fisheries at Lagos State University, who spoke on behalf of other members, thanked the Minister for inaugurating the committee. He said the committee would work with relevant stakeholders to deliver its mandate and catalyse fish production across the country. 

Members of the committee include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood, who serves as Chairman; Mr. Omoragbon Wellington, Director, Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Abuja; Mr. Garba Usman, Director, Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Lagos Office; Prof Ayo Omotayo, Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies; Prof Sule Abiodun, Executive Director, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research; Prof Akintola Shehu Latunji of Lagos State University; and Prof Sadiku Suleiman Omeiza of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Others are Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy; Dr. Charles Okaga, Technical Assistant to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, President, Fisheries Society of Nigeria; Mr. Onoja Sunday, President, Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria; Mr. Mashi Gabriel Sani, President, Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria; Mr. Remi Ahmed, President, Tilapia Development Association of Nigeria; and Dr. Charles Iyangbe, Country Representative, WorldFish Nigeria.

The committee has eight weeks to submit its report. 

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NIMASA STRENGTHENS ENFORCEMENT OF CABOTAGE COMPLIANCE

NIMASA STRENGTHENS ENFORCEMENT OF CABOTAGE COMPLIANCE

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA,  has announced enhanced enforcement of the statutory requirements for indigenous participation in Nigeria’s Cabotage trade and maritime activities.

This disclosure was contained in a marine notice issued pursuant to the Agency’s statutory mandate of implementing applicable laws including the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, in addition to the Cabotage regulations and implementing guidelines.

Under the enhanced enforcement regime, all persons and entities requiring vessels for Cabotage operations are required to use vessels that meet applicable Nigerian ownership, registration, manning and construction requirements and are duly registered in the Special Register for Vessels and Ship Owning Companies Engaged in Cabotage.

The Agency further requires all vessels, owners, operators, charterers, managers and other stakeholders engaged in Cabotage activities to maintain valid statutory certificates, licenses, registrations and other required documentation.

According to the press release issued by the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, FNIPR, indicated that Cabotage vessels must, as applicable, be wholly owned by Nigerian citizens, duly registered in the relevant Special Register, manned by Nigerian citizens and built in Nigeria. Deployment of vessels that do not meet these requirements may only be considered where the requisite Nigerian capacity is unavailable and the statutory conditions have been established and verified by NIMASA.

The Agency will continue to monitor compliance with the Cabotage Act, its regulations and applicable guidelines, in a bid to entrench maritime governance and ensure that jobs meant for Nigerians are not outsourced.

The Marine Notice, which takes immediate effect further reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to promoting indigenous participation in local and international shipping trade, developing local maritime capacity and ensuring that Cabotage operations contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s maritime and economic development.

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NIMASA STRENGTHENS ENFORCEMENT OF CABOTAGE COMPLIANCE

NIMASA STRENGTHENS ENFORCEMENT OF CABOTAGE COMPLIANCE

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA,  has announced enhanced enforcement of the statutory requirements for indigenous participation in Nigeria’s Cabotage trade and maritime activities.

This disclosure was contained in a marine notice issued pursuant to the Agency’s statutory mandate of implementing applicable laws including the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, in addition to the Cabotage regulations and implementing guidelines.

Under the enhanced enforcement regime, all persons and entities requiring vessels for Cabotage operations are required to use vessels that meet applicable Nigerian ownership, registration, manning and construction requirements and are duly registered in the Special Register for Vessels and Ship Owning Companies Engaged in Cabotage.

The Agency further requires all vessels, owners, operators, charterers, managers and other stakeholders engaged in Cabotage activities to maintain valid statutory certificates, licenses, registrations and other required documentation.

According to the press release issued by the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, FNIPR, indicated that Cabotage vessels must, as applicable, be wholly owned by Nigerian citizens, duly registered in the relevant Special Register, manned by Nigerian citizens and built in Nigeria. Deployment of vessels that do not meet these requirements may only be considered where the requisite Nigerian capacity is unavailable and the statutory conditions have been established and verified by NIMASA.

The Agency will continue to monitor compliance with the Cabotage Act, its regulations and applicable guidelines, in a bid to entrench maritime governance and ensure that jobs meant for Nigerians are not outsourced.

The Marine Notice, which takes immediate effect further reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to promoting indigenous participation in local and international shipping trade, developing local maritime capacity and ensuring that Cabotage operations contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s maritime and economic development.

 

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Customs Partners WCO, UK International Development on Corruption Risk Mapping, SOPs

Customs Partners WCO, UK International Development on Corruption Risk Mapping, SOPs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the United Kingdom International Development, is strengthening its internal anti-corruption framework through a workshop focused on corruption risk analysis, risk mapping, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

During the closing ceremony on Friday 21 August 2026 at NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, said the mission under the WCO is an important step in strengthening institutional growth, integrity, and corruption risk management. He further stated that the exercise has nothing to do with fault-finding or apportioning blame; rather, it allowed the system to look at itself, identify weaknesses, and develop sustainable solutions. 

According to the CGC, the assessment was designed to cover key Customs processes, including regulatory and administrative procedures, clearance processes, inspection and examination, enforcement and compliance, procurement and human resource management. "The purpose of what we have therefore been doing with our partners was to identify such areas of vulnerabilities, assess the associated risk and develop practical measures to mitigate them," he stated.

The CGC affirmed that the Service will continue to support measures that strengthen transparency, accountability, internal controls, process simplification, and the use of technology to reduce unnecessary discretion. "A customs administration that is transparent, that is predictable and accountable, is better positioned to facilitate legitimate trade, improve compliance, and enhance public confidence," he noted.

The World Customs Organisation Lead Technical Expert, Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, Arman Zhalitov, while commending the CGC for its continued support, urged the working group to champion endorsement of the workshop outcomes, which include a comprehensive action plan outlining clear steps to advance trade facilitation and strengthen the anti-corruption agenda.

Also speaking, David Tanenbaum, the WCO Programme Manager for the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, outlined achievements in AEO, post-clearance audit, and the time-release study, noting that integrity does not exist in a vacuum. 

He said the achievements demonstrate that the partnership is delivering tangible institutional and operational results. "Our work continues to bring us closer to a systematic, preventive approach to identifying and managing corruption risks within customs operations," he said.

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LILYPOND EXPORT COMMAND LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: DEPUTY COMPT. SALAKO ASSUMES DUTY AS ACTING CAC

LILYPOND EXPORT COMMAND LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: DEPUTY COMPT. SALAKO ASSUMES DUTY AS ACTING CAC 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Lilypond Export Command, has witnessed a formal leadership transition following the retirement of the outgoing Customs Area Controller, CAC,  Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi, who handed over the affairs of the Command to Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, who assumes duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller. The handing-over and taking-over ceremony was conducted in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Service.

In his remarks, the outgoing CAC, Comptroller S.O. Ariyibi, expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, officers and men of the Command, and critical stakeholders for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure. He attributed the achievements recorded by the Command to teamwork, professionalism, discipline, dedication and effective collaboration among officers and stakeholders.

Comptroller Ariyibi, who bows out of the Service after a distinguished and meritorious career, urged officers and men of the Command to extend the same spirit of cooperation and commitment to the incoming Acting CAC. He encouraged them to sustain the operational standards and gains recorded during his tenure, while expressing confidence in the ability of the new leadership to build on the existing foundation and further advance the mandate of Lilypond Export Command.

According to the press release issued by the Assistant Superintendent of Customs Command Public Relations Officer,  Lilypond Export Command, B OLUSOLA-OKE, stated that the incoming Acting CAC, Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, commended Comptroller Ariyibi for his dedicated and meritorious service to the Nigeria Customs Service and his contributions to the growth and development of Lilypond Export Command. He pledged to provide purposeful, responsive and professional leadership while advancing the core mandates of the Service, particularly in trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, anti-smuggling operations and effective stakeholder engagement.

Deputy Comptroller Salako called for the continued cooperation, discipline and professionalism of all officers and men of the Command, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in achieving the mandate of the Service and the strategic objectives of Lilypond Export Command. He also solicited the continued support and cooperation of stakeholders towards strengthening the Command's operational effectiveness and contribution to national economic development.

The handing-over and taking-over exercise formally marks the conclusion of Comptroller S.O. Ariyibi's tenure as Customs Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command, following his retirement from the Nigeria Customs Service, and the assumption of duty by Deputy Comptroller O.O. Salako as Acting Customs Area Controller. The officers and men of the Command appreciate Comptroller Ariyibi for his distinguished, dedicated and meritorious service to the Service and the nation, and wish him a fulfilling and successful retirement. The Command also welcomes the Acting CAC and wishes him a successful and impactful tenure.

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TAG Alliance Invests Otunba Ademola Popoola as Patron, Reaffirms Support for KOH Campaign

Bisi Akingbade 

The Action Grassroots Alliance (TAG), a structured grassroots support movement committed to supporting credible candidates for leadership at the state and federal levels, has invested Otunba Ademola Popoola as its Patron.

Popoola, who serves as Campaign Director/Key Campaign Official of the Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (KOH) Governorship Campaign Organisation headed by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, was honoured at an investiture ceremony attended by members and supporters of the alliance.

Speaking after his investiture, Otunba Popoola, who hails from Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, expressed appreciation to Almighty God and dedicated the honour to God and the entire KOH team, whom he described as a family.

In his acceptance speech, Popoola emphasised the importance of dedication and loyalty, noting that his commitment throughout his political journey has been to Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

He described Hamzat as “a perfect gentleman, a man of God and a family man,” adding that the Lagos State political leader does not discriminate between Christians and Muslims.

Popoola also commended the Director-General of TAG Alliance, Ambassador (Dr.) Adegbenro Salewa Abisoye, for her leadership and commitment to grassroots mobilisation.

He further announced that TAG Alliance had been recognised by the Lagos State governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and accepted into the KOH campaign organisation.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director-General of TAG Alliance, Ambassador (Dr.) Adegbenro Salewa Abisoye, explained why Otunba Popoola was chosen as the Patron of the organisation.

“It is with great honour, immense joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I, Ambassador Dr. Adegbenro Salewa Abisoye, Director-General, TAG Alliance, welcome everyone to this very special and historic occasion.

“On behalf of the entire leadership and membership of TAG Alliance, I sincerely welcome and appreciate our distinguished dignitaries, special guests, leaders, supporters and friends who have taken the time to join us today.

“We also wish to express our profound appreciation to our new Patron, Otunba Ademola Popoola. Sir, we are deeply honoured by your acceptance to become the Patron of TAG Alliance.

“Your presence, experience, wisdom and leadership will be of great value to the growth and development of this movement. We see your acceptance not merely as an honour bestowed upon you, but as a partnership that will help us build a stronger, more united and more effective grassroots movement,” she said.

Abisoye described TAG Alliance as more than a conventional support group, stressing that it is a formidable, structured and purpose-driven grassroots movement committed to making a lasting impact.

She said the organisation had established a functional structure across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of Lagos State, with leadership representation and coordination at the grassroots.

According to her, the structure comprises General Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, Secretaries, Treasurers, Public Relations Officers, Women Leaders, Youth Leaders, Media Teams, Grassroots Mobilisation Teams and other key officers.

The Director-General said TAG Alliance’s vision goes beyond a single election or political office, noting that the organisation is positioned to support and mobilise for APC candidates at various levels of government.

“TAG Alliance is positioned to support and mobilise for APC candidates across all levels—from the Presidency to the Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and down to Local Government Council Chairmanship and Councillorship,” she said.

The investiture was described by the leadership of TAG Alliance as a significant step towards strengthening its grassroots structure and deepening its collaboration with the KOH campaign organisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

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DCG Tijjani Abe Takes a Bow After 35 Years of Meritorious Service

DCG Tijjani Abe Takes a Bow After 35 Years of Meritorious Service

... As CGC hails Abe's Integrity

Bisi Akingbade 

Members of the Nigeria Customs Service Management Team gathered at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on 19 August 2026 to honour the retirement of DCG Tijanni Abe, the Deputy Comptroller-General, DCG, in charge of Human Resource and Development, marking the close of 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.

Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, led the tributes, describing DCG Abe as a man whose career was anchored in faith, calm, and unwavering integrity. He noted that DCG Abe was known throughout the Service for his habit of expressing gratitude. A quality, the CGC said, speaks volumes about the kind of man he is.

"You are a man of integrity and integrity pays. May God increase you in wisdom and happiness, and may your years ahead be even more pleasurable. We are all very proud of you, and we wish you well," he said, adding that the bonds forged within the Service do not end at retirement.

Senior officers who took the floor painted a consistent picture, describing him as a leader defined not by the authority of his rank but by the warmth of his character. Courage, humility, sacrifice, and kindness surfaced repeatedly as colleagues reflected on their years of service alongside him. For many in the room, DCG Abe was more than a senior officer; he was a mentor whose example quietly shaped the officers around him.

DCG Tijanni Abe responded to the tributes with the same grace that has marked his career. He first thanked the Almighty, then the Comptroller-General, and finally his colleagues on the management team, expressing deep gratitude for their belief in his abilities over three and a half decades of service.

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