TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE FISH PRODUCTION IN THE NIGER DELTA: IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA’S ECONOMY

Abstract

Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources, including substantial water bodies that present vast economic opportunities. Among these is the Niger Delta region, whose coastal and inland waterways hold significant potential for fisheries development. Despite fish being one of the most widely consumed protein sources in Nigeria, a large portion of the nation's fish supply is imported. This occurs even though the Niger Delta has the capacity to meet domestic demand through local production. This paper aims to explore the potential of fish production in the Niger Delta as a driver of economic growth and a contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It also examines the major constraints facing the fisheries sector in the region—ranging from environmental degradation to infrastructural and policy-related challenges—and proposes actionable solutions for sustainable development of the industry.