A review on Insecurity's Grip on Nigeria's Fisheries: A Threat to Livelihoods and Nutrition

The fisheries sector is a crucial component of Nigeria's economy, driven by the strong demand for fishery products and its significant contribution to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).With extensive marine and inland fisheries resources, Nigeria holds great potential for attaining self-sufficiency in fish production.However, despite this potential, the country still faces a significant shortfall in meeting domestic fish demand through local production.This gap is attributed to various challenges plaguing the industry, hindering its ability to meet the growing demand for fishery products.This study was conducted through a comprehensive review of relevant reports from local and international fisheries research organizations, national dailies, and online media outlets.The review focused on the significant impact of insecurity on Nigeria's fish production, detailing the various security threats affecting the fisheries subsector.These threats include Boko Haram/Islamic militant insurgency in the North, organized criminal gangs, sea robbery, kidnapping, militant separatist agitations, Niger Delta Militants, opportunistic armed groups, maritime criminal groups, piracy, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU).The review revealed that these security challenges have substantially contributed to the decline in fish production in Nigeria.The study advocates for a multifaceted approach to addressing security challenges in the fisheries subsector, urging Nigeria's security agencies to implement comprehensive policies that target the underlying causes of these threats.These include addressing the root drivers of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, to create a more stable and secure environment for the fisheries industry to thrive.