Nigeria Gains More Access To US, Global Fisheries Markets

The recent transfer of the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has made the Nigerian fisheries sub-sector to comply with the Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) regulations by the United States inspection team.

The biennial verification conducted in September 2024 was a major achievement for the country’s industrial fisheries sub-sector and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy led by the minister, Adegboyega Oyetola.

According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), TEDs is a specialised equipment installed in shrimp trawl nets to promote sea turtle conservation while retaining shrimp catch.

It consist of a grid of bars with an opening either at the top or bottom of the net, which is large enough for turtles to escape through but prevents shrimp and other smaller marine species from escaping. This device is mandatory for vessels targeting shrimp, aimed at reducing the incidental capture of sea turtles, a practice known as bycatch.

This exercise marked the 15th successful recertification for Nigeria, with a 100 percent TED compliance rate this time – surpassing the previous score of 98 percent from the last evaluation.

This achievement ensures the country’s continued access to key global markets and strengthens Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Significantly, it noteworthy to emphasize this significant stride made by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Fisheries and aquaculture, one of its key priorities, in the last one year.

Oyetola had recently emphasised one of the ministry’s core objectives, ensuring that Nigeria’s marine resources are harnessed responsibly, to enrich the lives of the citizenry, as a source of livelihood for millions of Nigerians and foundation of the nation’s biodiversity.

According to recent statistics contained in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend yesterday in Abuja, Nigeria produces around 1.2 million metric tonnes of fish annually, 90 percent of which is consumed domestically.

“Despite this, annual per capita fish consumption is 11.3 kg, far below the global average of 21 kg. With almost six in ten households experiencing food insecurity, Nigeria spends $1 billion a year on fish imports, accounting for 45 percent of its supply,” stated a summary by world fish centre.

Also, two percent of the country’s GDP is derived from aquaculture and fisheries,

The 2024 recertification is quite significant as it would go a long way to boost Nigeria’s shrimp exports. This achievement has further positioned Nigeria as a champion in marine conservation and sustainable resource management, which provides a significant boost for the country in the global fishing industry. Additionally, Nigeria’s adoption and consistent TEDs recertification have enhanced confidence in the country’s shrimp exports to key markets such as the USA and the European Union.

The US inspection team, who were in the Lagos in September to conduct the two-day validationand recertification exercise, formally announced the 100% compliance result at the closing ceremony of the TEDs recertification exercise. The TEDs inspection was conducted over two days in Apapa, Lagos, by the US TED inspection team and Inspectors from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

It involved the examination of a total of 23 industrial trawling vessels from all five companies with vessels licensed for shrimping in the Nigeria’s territorial waters to ensure their compliance with U.S. regulations regarding TED installation and utilisation.

The ceremony was the major highlight following a workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with Atlantic Shrimpers Limited, held at the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Apapa, Lagos.

The workshop emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships in sustainable fisheries practices. Participants included representatives from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), as well as a diverse group of stakeholders, including members from the academia, Nigerian Trawlers Owners Association (NITOA) and vessel crew members.

The permanent secretary of the ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, and the Director (Fisheries and Aquaculture) Mr. Omoragbon Wellington, both represented the Minister, who was the chief host at the two-day TED recertification exercise.