Dangote: Private investment in fisheries can save billions, create 500,000 jobs

Aliko Dangote says increased private investment in Nigeria's fisheries value chain could create over 500,000 jobs, reduce imports and boost exports. The President of Dangote Industries Limited spoke at the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens' and Stakeholders' Engagement organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos.

Strategic funding across the value chain

Represented by the Managing Director of Dangote Port Operations, Simeon Omole, Dangote said investments in aquaculture, hatcheries, fish feed production, processing facilities, cold-chain logistics and export infrastructure would transform the sector into a major contributor to national development. He described the fisheries industry as more than a food security issue, noting that it presents significant opportunities for industrial expansion and private sector investment.

He said that with the right government support and strong private sector participation, Nigeria could improve food security, conserve foreign exchange by cutting imports and emerge as a competitive exporter of fisheries products.

Blue economy policy targets three million jobs

Dangote said the success of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy would depend largely on sustained private sector involvement. According to him, the policy aims to create three million jobs within its first four years, achieve annual sector growth of seven per cent and ensure that at least half of the new jobs are reserved for young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35.

He added that attracting investors would require consistent government policies, improved infrastructure, easier access to financing and a stable business environment capable of supporting long-term industrial growth.

Deep seaports and industrial clusters

Dangote identified infrastructure development, value-chain expansion and stronger public-private partnerships as the key drivers of growth in the marine and blue economy. He noted that the Federal Government's approval of several deep seaport projects across the country would encourage the emergence of industrial clusters focused on agro-processing, petrochemicals, shipbuilding, cold-chain logistics and maritime technology, thereby enhancing Nigeria's competitiveness.

He also stressed that partnerships between the public and private sectors should extend beyond funding arrangements to include collaboration among government agencies, investors, research institutions and coastal communities. According to him, well-planned coastal industrial clusters supported by modern ports, Special Economic Zones and digital infrastructure would attract long-term investment, stimulate industrialisation and unlock the full potential of Nigeria's marine economy.

For the naira and Nigerian businesses, the message is clear: cutting fish imports through local production saves foreign exchange, while the job creation target offers a direct boost to consumer spending power if the policy targets are met.