NIGERIA LOSES 420,000 TONNES OF FISH YEARLY TO POST-HARVEST WASTE

Dayo Thomas

Nigeria’s fisheries sector is facing a significant challenge, with an estimated 420,000 tonnes of fish lost annually to post-harvest waste, according to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola. This staggering loss represents about 30% of the country’s fish production, further exacerbating the existing fish supply deficit.
The annual fish demand in Nigeria exceeds 3.6 million metric tonnes, while domestic production stands at around 1.4 million metric tonnes, leaving a gap that is partly filled by imports valued at over $1 billion annually. This not only strains the country’s economy but also underscores the need for urgent action to address the inefficiencies in the fisheries sector.

The losses are largely attributed to poor storage, processing, and logistics infrastructure, highlighting the need for improved cold chain systems and investment in the fisheries sector. The lack of adequate infrastructure has made it difficult for fish farmers and processors to preserve their products, leading to significant losses.

The Nigerian government has acknowledged the challenges facing the sector and is working to address them.