New investments must strengthen, not displace, artisanal fishers- Oyetola
Lagos, Sept. 2026 (TBL Africa ) New investments in Nigeria’s fisheries sector must strengthen rather than displace artisanal fishers and others whose livelihoods depend on the sector, said the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola.
Oyetola said this when he received a team of Turkish fishing investors, CRD Impex, led by Mr Cem Tarhan, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, on Thursday and mad available to newsmen in Lagos.
He said the Federal Government was committed to creating an investment-friendly environment capable of attracting credible local and international investments into the marine and blue economy.
The minister identified inadequate infrastructure, limited access to modern fishing technology, processing and storage constraints, weak cold-chain systems and poor market access as major challenges facing the artisanal fisheries sector.
He said the challenges presented significant investment opportunities, particularly in modernising the fisheries value chain and improving the productivity and livelihoods of local fish producers.
“We welcome investors who can bring capital, technology, expertise and modern value-chain solutions to the sector.
“However, investment must be inclusive and sustainable. It must complement and empower our artisanal fish producers, not undermine their livelihoods,” Oyetola said.
According to him, the Turkish investment team was in Nigeria to explore investment opportunities in the fishing sector.
Tarhan said CRD Impex had extensive experience in fisheries and aquaculture in Turkey and was interested in bringing its expertise and investment capacity to Nigeria.
He said that the investors, accompanied by officials of the ministry, visited several fisheries and aquaculture facilities across the country to assess investment opportunities and gain first-hand knowledge of Nigeria’s fisheries value chain.
It listed the facilities visited as Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ozumba Mbadiwe Fish Market in Lekki, Lagos, and Esuk Nsidung Beach Market, a major waterfront seafood and trading hub in Esiere Ebom, Henshaw Town, Calabar, Cross River.
