Transformation of The Fishery Subsector of Nigeria: The Need for Fishery Extension Program

Abstract

The inclusion of fishery subsector as one of the priority subsectors in the agricultural transformation plan of Nigeria stems from the increasing demand-supply gap for fish; which continues to constitute a colossal loss of foreign exchange in Nigeria. In view of the foregoing, this study was carried to examine the programs of the fishery subsector transformation plan in the achievement of self-sufficiency in fish production which is the principal goal of the fisherysubsector transformation plan. Secondary data were employed in this study. Despite the laudable programs of the fishery transformation plan namely: (i) fish farm estate development program (ii) fish seeds and feed mill development program (iii) fish pen and cage culture development program(iv) fish post-harvest management and marketing program, the exclusion of fishery extension program in the programs of the fishery transformation plan was identified as a major weakness of the fishery transformation plan that could mar the achievement of the goal of achieving selfsufficiency in fish production. Therefore, it is recommended that fishery extension program should be included as a component of the fishery transformation plan of Nigeria so as to facilitate the delivery of fishery extension services to fish farmers, fish marketers, fish feed millers and other actors in the fish value chain.