FG approves digitisation of fish import licensing

The Federal Government has approved the digitisation of the fish import licensing process to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve efficiency and boost local fish production within Nigeria’s maritime economy.

The approval was granted by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who has directed the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to immediately roll out a digital platform to replace the existing manual licensing system.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the minister said the reform is part of wider efforts to modernise marine administration in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, food security, job creation and institutional reform.

Oyetola described the move as a strategic intervention aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s fisheries sector for sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness.

He noted that the new digital system would help eliminate administrative bottlenecks, improve transparency and ensure regulatory processes align with global best practices.

According to the minister, the reform is also expected to support the growth of local fish production by creating a more efficient and accountable import licensing framework that balances trade needs with domestic industry development.