John Ameh, AbujaThe House of Representatives on Wednesday sought a phased ban on the importation of fish into the country in a bid to boost local production of fish. It also said such a ban would encourage local fish farmers to support the Federal Government’s economic diversification policy. The House is aware that the local production from artisanal fishing, aquaculture and industrial captures estimated at about 800,000 metric tonnes, accounts for only 30 per cent of the total annual fish demand estimated at 2.7million metric tonnes. “Also aware that Nigeria has, over the years, resorted to importation to meet the deficit of about 1.9 million metric tonnes in domestic fish supply at an estimated cost of USD625 million in foreign exchange annually. “The House further notes that the escalating demand for foreign exchange for fish importation is not sustainable in the light of the huge pressure on the country’s foreign reserves and fluctuating earnings from crude oil.

Source: Punch January 24, 2018 18:00 UTC