Although the production figure for
catfish in Nigeria has grown from
83,000 metric tons in 2006 to over
900,000 metric tons in 2014, the
Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria
(CAFAN) insists the figure is still a far
cry from meeting the nation’s
requirements.
National President of the body, Mr.
Tayo Akingbolagun, speaking during
the inauguration of the Edo State
Chapter of the association, Thursday,
in Benin, said the steady growth of
catfish production in Nigeria can be
traced to the activities of the catfish
farmers.
“The potential of aquaculture
production in Nigeria is estimated at
four million metric tons annually,
consumption is about 2.66 million
tons, while the total production is only
900,000 metric tons”, adding about
1.44 million metric tons of fish is
imported which translates to over
N100 billion annually.
He said the farmers have over time
been acting as positive catalyst
through networking, organizing and
execution of trade fairs and capacity
building among others.
He also noted that Nigeria was
blessed with enormous water
resources suitable for any form of
aquaculture, with, “an estimated area
of 1.7 million hectares excluding
marine and brackish water bodies
available for aquaculture”.
Akingbolagun urged the newly
inaugurated body to work together in
harmony in other to surmount the
challenges of the fisheries sector and
promote group spirit and aquaculture
best practices.
In his acceptance speech, the
chairman of CAFAN, Edo chapter, Mr.
Osuzwa Imafidon, thanked the
National President of the association
for accepting to inaugurate the
association in the state.
He said he will help champion efforts
that will make Edo State a leading
player in the aqua-culture industry
while protecting the interest of its
members across the state.

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