The Federal Government 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 of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola in a statement by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, has consequently directed the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to expedite action towards the swift implementation of the digital platform, signalling Federal Government’s renewed commitment to modernising marine administration while strengthening domestic fish production capacity.
Oyetola emphasises that the approval represents a significant step in the ongoing reform agenda of the Ministry, which seeks to deploy technology-driven solutions to improve governance, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and promote accountability across the fisheries value chain.
When completed, the digitisation initiative will provide real-time data monitoring capabilities, enabling the Ministry to accurately track import volumes, evaluate supply gaps and implement evidence-based policy decisions.
The digital system is also expected to strengthen regulatory compliance by ensuring that only qualified and duly registered importers receive licences, thereby curbing illegal and unregulated importation activities that have historically undermined local aquaculture investments.
