SPECIES DIVERSIFICATION, A POSITIVE TREND TOWARD NIGERIA’S AQUACULTURE SUSTAINABILITY: A REVIEW.

Abstract

With its large population of approximately 150 million people, Nigeria has a significant fish demand, estimated at 2.66 million metric tons in 2012. However, local fish production only meets a portion of this demand, producing 1.32 million metric tons annually, of which 0.62 million metric tons come from aquaculture. Though critical for food security and economic diversification, this sector is currently underdeveloped, producing only 200,000 metric tons against a potential of 2.5–4.0 million metric tons. Aquaculture development is essential to meet Nigeria's fish demand and promote economic growth. Nigeria’s aquaculture output has increased significantly, with tilapia and catfish being the predominant species. However, further growth and diversification are needed to close the supply-demand gap. Introducing exotic species like Rohu, Pangasius, climbing perch, and common carp presents a viable solution to enhance productivity. These species exhibit favourable traits such as fast growth, high nutritional value, adaptability to diverse environments, and efficient feed conversion. The integration of these species into Nigeria's aquaculture sector could substantially improve fish production, support food security, and provide economic opportunities. This review highlights the current state of aquaculture in Nigeria, the challenges faced, and the potential benefits of diversifying fish species. By leveraging existing infrastructure and addressing key challenges, Nigeria can enhance its aquaculture sector, reduce its fish import dependency, and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.