In an effort to improve regulation and encourage domestic aquaculture production in Nigeria, the Federal Government has authorised the introduction of a computerised system for fish import licensing.

Bolaji Akinola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy's Special Advisor, said in a statement on Tuesday that the project is a part of a larger effort to modernise fisheries administration.

Minister Adegboyega Oyetola has approved the reform, which aims to boost domestic fish production, improve transparency, and simplify procedures.

It is anticipated that the digitisation will help local producers while streamlining regulatory processes, reducing administrative hold-ups, and improving fish import monitoring.

Oyetola described the digital licensing initiative as a significant move toward more efficient fisheries management and greater transparency.

“The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has approved the digitisation of Nigeria’s fish import licensing process in a landmark policy move aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and regulatory oversight within the nation’s fisheries sector.”

“The Minister has consequently directed the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to expedite action towards the swift implementation of the digital platform, signalling the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to modernising marine administration while strengthening domestic fish production capacity,” the statement read in part.

The reform aims to remove bottlenecks, strengthen regulatory oversight, and align Nigeria’s fish import procedures with global best practices in fisheries management.

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy stated that the new digital platform will replace the existing manual licensing system, enhancing efficiency and regulatory control.

The system is designed to streamline applications, minimize delays and duplication, and reduce human interference in approvals. Only verified and registered importers will be granted licences, helping to combat illegal and unregulated fish imports.

Regulators will be able to identify supply shortfalls and make data-driven, well-informed policy decisions thanks to real-time import volume tracking.

Additionally, the platform will support national food security planning and protect regional producers from unfair competition.

To support regional aquaculture, the Federal Government has announced a number of programs in partnership with development partners.

The N200 million FAO-backed aquaculture funding scheme was introduced in the middle of 2025 with the goal of helping 40 fish farmers increase their output by giving them N2.5–5 million apiece.

More initiatives are planned to improve aquaculture practitioners' access to fish feed, hatcheries, and technical training.