The Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria has said Taraba State could generate at least N1 billion revenue annually from fisheries and aquaculture if the state government invests adequately in the sector.

The federation, also said the development of fisheries and aquaculture could create thousands of jobs, boost food security and diversify the state’s economy.

Acting national president of the federation, Marsha Gabriel Saini, stated this while commending Governor Agbu Kefas for recognising the economic potential of fisheries and aquaculture in the state.

While expressing plans to harness the state’s aquatic resources from 2027, Saini said Nigeria’s annual fish demand stood at approximately 3.6 million tonnes, while the domestic production was estimated at 1.6 million tonnes, leaving a supply gap of about two million tonnes.

He noted that with the state’s rivers, lakes, dams and wetlands, Taraba was strategically positioned to contribute hugely to bridging the national fish supply deficit.

According to him, the state’s abundant water resources remain largely under utilised because successive administrations have not given adequate attention and investment to the fisheries sector.

He expressed optimism that the governor’s renewed interest in fisheries and aquaculture would mark a departure from the past and unlock the sector’s economic potential.

Saini, who spoke on behalf of the fisheries and aquaculture community in Taraba State, said adequate budgetary allocations and strategic investments could enable the state to generate at least N1 billion in revenue from the sector.

He, however, identified listed inadequate fingerlings, limited access to finance, poor processing and cold chain infrastructure, weak extension services and restricted market access, as some of the challenges confronting fish farmers, fishers, processors and traders and high cost of fish feed in the state.

He called for a comprehensive fisheries and aquaculture development programme beginning in 2027 to address the challenges and position the sector as a major contributor to the state’s economic growth.

According to him, the proposed programme should include a comprehensive fisheries master plan, a database of operators across the value chain, input supply and hatchery centres, aquaculture clusters, fish processing and storage facilities, improved access to finance and targeted interventions for women and young people.