Possible aquaculture development in Nigeria: evidence for commercial prospects

Abstract

The cultivation of desirable aquatic organisms is becoming increasingly important as one of the fastest-growing agro-industrial activities in the world. Nigeria, over the years, practised traditional methods of aquaculture in tidal pools and floodplains of inland waters. Recently, the coastal region has been the focus of aquaculture development with introduction of cage culture system. Nigeria is one of the top aquaculture producers in Africa with numerous opportunities for large-scale production, and 80% of production is from small-scale farmers who involve in brackish and freshwater cultivation, except mariculture which has several setbacks. Nigeria is yet to show feasible interest in non-fed aquaculture (macroalgae) which is among the world’s most efficient mass producer of proteins and other products. Constraints to production in the industry have been identified, while the prospects can be achieved by expanding aquaculture zones, enhancing management practices of production systems and improving product quality with the resultant creation of jobs, regular income and investment, etc.. This paper explores the status of aquaculture in Nigeria, and the components and the systems of commercial aquaculture were elucidated.