The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a move to digitise the licensing process for fish importation. This policy change is aimed at tightening regulatory controls and encouraging growth in local fish production. The approval was disclosed in a statement from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. It was signed by Bolaji Akinola, the Special Adviser to the Minister. The reform is part of a broader effort to modernise fisheries administration and support domestic aquaculture.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, directed the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to begin implementation of a digital platform for fish import licences. The government has positioned this initiative within a wider strategy to make fisheries administration more efficient and transparent. This move signals a shift from manual processing, which has been seen as slow and prone to inefficiencies.
According to official statements, the digitised system will streamline regulatory procedures and reduce administrative delays. The government says the measure will bring import licensing in line with global best practices in fisheries management. This is intended to improve oversight and reduce duplication in approvals. It is also expected to minimise opportunities for human interference that have historically complicated the licensing process.
The Ministry has explained how the new digital platform will function once fully operational. Only verified and registered importers will receive licences under the new framework. This is designed to reduce illegal and unregulated importation practices that undermine local producers and distort the sector. The system will also provide real-time monitoring of import volumes. This data will help regulators identify supply gaps and make policy decisions based on accurate information rather than estimates or outdated records.
The government stressed that this reform is not an isolated measure. It is intended to support a sustained effort to strengthen domestic fish production capacity. Local fish output in Nigeria remains well below demand, creating pressure on foreign exchange and exposing domestic producers to competition from imported frozen products. By improving regulatory control over imports, the government aims to protect local aquaculture investment and encourage increased production at national scale.
This new digital licensing framework also aligns with national food security objectives. Reliable data generated from the system will support strategic planning across the fisheries sector. This approach is consistent with the government’s broader economic goals, which include fostering economic diversification and creating jobs in productive sectors.
In announcing the reform, the Minister emphasised the importance of technology-led changes in public administration. “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.
As the system rolls out, regulators and industry stakeholders will measure its impact on import patterns, domestic production levels, and compliance rates. The success of the digital licensing platform will be critical to achieving a more balanced fisheries sector that supports local producers and reduces Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish.
