National Brand Development Office to Host National Seafood Stakeholders Business Meeting in Kogi State By  National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office (MAiNPro)

The National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office (MAiNPro) has announced the National Seafood Stakeholders Business Meeting, a strategic gathering aimed at promoting investment, collaboration, and value chain development within Nigeria's seafood industry.

Scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, at the Banquet Hall, Kogi State Government House, Lokoja, the meeting is expected to bring together government officials, seafood producers, processors, investors, exporters, industry associations, and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities for expanding Nigeria's blue economy and strengthening the nation's seafood value chain.

The event aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to promoting locally produced goods under the Nigeria First Policy while unlocking the vast economic potential of Nigeria's marine and inland water resources.

Driving Growth in Nigeria's Seafood Industry

Nigeria's seafood sector remains one of the country's most promising yet underutilized industries. With extensive coastlines, rivers, lakes, and aquaculture resources, the nation possesses enormous potential to become a major producer and exporter of fish and seafood products.

The National Seafood Stakeholders Business Meeting seeks to provide a platform for industry players to identify investment opportunities, address sector challenges, and develop strategies for increasing domestic production, improving processing capacity, and expanding access to international markets.

The forum is also expected to encourage stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to accelerate the development of Nigeria's blue economy.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to Host Event

The meeting will be hosted by His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, Executive Governor of Kogi State.

Kogi State's strategic location, intersected by the Rivers Niger and Benue, makes it an important hub for fisheries, aquaculture, and inland water transportation. The state's growing interest in agricultural and marine resource development positions it as an ideal host for the national gathering.

Governor Ododo's participation underscores Kogi State's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic diversification, food security, and investment in the fisheries sector.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to Attend

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the event.

His participation reflects the Federal Government's determination to harness the enormous opportunities within Nigeria's marine and blue economy, including fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, coastal tourism, and marine resource development.

The Ministry has continued to champion policies aimed at increasing investment, improving infrastructure, and creating sustainable employment across Nigeria's marine sector.

Strengthening the Seafood Value Chain

The business meeting is expected to focus on key issues affecting Nigeria's seafood industry, including:

• Expanding fish production and aquaculture.

• Value addition and seafood processing.

• Cold chain infrastructure.

• Export promotion.

• Quality assurance and product certification.

• Investment opportunities.

• Access to finance.

• Sustainable fisheries management.

• Public-private partnerships.

Stakeholders are expected to exchange ideas on how to improve competitiveness while positioning Nigerian seafood products for both domestic consumption and international markets.

Promoting Made-in-Nigeria Products

As part of its broader mandate, the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office continues to champion initiatives that encourage the production, branding, and consumption of locally made products.

The seafood sector presents significant opportunities to reduce dependence on imports, improve food security, generate foreign exchange through exports, and create employment across fishing communities, processing facilities, logistics, and retail markets.

The meeting is expected to support these objectives by fostering stronger collaboration among industry stakeholders.

Event Details

The National Seafood Stakeholders Business Meeting is scheduled as follows:

• Date: Tuesday, 28th July 2026

• Time: 10:00 a.m. prompt

• Venue: Banquet Hall, Kogi State Government House, Lokoja

The event is expected to attract policymakers, investors, seafood businesses, cooperatives, development partners, financial institutions, and representatives of industry associations from across Nigeria.

Expected Outcomes

The meeting is anticipated to produce actionable recommendations that will strengthen Nigeria's seafood industry by:

• Encouraging increased investment.

• Enhancing value chain development.

• Promoting sustainable fisheries practices.

• Improving processing and export capacity.

• Supporting local enterprise development.

• Creating employment opportunities.

• Advancing the objectives of the Nigeria First Policy.

These outcomes are expected to contribute to broader national goals of industrialization, economic diversification, and increased non-oil exports.

Conclusion

The National Seafood Stakeholders Business Meeting represents an important step toward unlocking the vast economic potential of Nigeria's seafood industry. By bringing together government leaders, industry experts, investors, and private-sector stakeholders, the event aims to develop practical strategies for expanding production, strengthening value chains, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in regional and global seafood markets.

Hosted by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and featuring Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, the meeting underscores the Federal Government's commitment to promoting the blue economy, supporting locally made products, and creating sustainable opportunities for economic growth under the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office.