Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of African catfish, one of the most commercially important freshwater fish species in Africa.

Catfish is the most popular fish on the local market. There is also substantial trade in smoked fish to neighboring countries and to the Nigerian diaspora in the Unites States, Europe and the Middle East.

Nigeria wants to become more self-sufficient in fish production, as demand for fish significantly exceeds domestic production. It prioritizes aquaculture, because of its potential to create jobs and business opportunities, in particular for women and youth.

There’s also an increasing awareness of the health benefits of eating fish, actively supported by government through school feeding.

FISH4ACP aims to stimulate Nigeria’s catfish sector by improving access to key export markets and enhancing productivity, supporting domestic production of high-quality fish seed and feed for example.

Increasing competitiveness, through marketing and product diversification, is also high on the agenda, while special attention will be given to the environmental sustainability of farming practices.