LIVE FISH (CONTROL OF IMPORTATION) ACT

An Act regulates the importation of live fish into Nigeria by requiring permits and disease-control measures. It targets fish importers, customs agencies, and fisheries inspectors to protect local ecosystems. This prevents invasive species and supports the domestic aquaculture industry.

What Is This Policy?

An Act that regulates the importation of live fish into Nigeria, requiring permits and compliance with disease-control conditions in order to protect Nigeria's aquatic ecosystems and domestic fish farming industry.

Who Does It Target?

Fish importers and aquaculture operators Customs and border control agencies Federal Department of Fisheries inspectors Research institutions importing fish specimens

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Prevent the introduction of fish diseases and invasive species into Nigeria's waters, protect domestic fish populations, and support the growth of the local aquaculture sector.

Key Features

Import Permit Requirement: No live fish may be imported without a valid permit issued by the Minister of Agriculture. Quarantine Requirements: Imported live fish must undergo quarantine and health inspection before release into Nigerian waters or farms. Approved Species List: Only species on the approved importation list may be legally imported, preventing introduction of harmful invasive species. Penalties for Violations: Unlicensed importation or introduction of prohibited species attracts fines and forfeiture of the fish.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All Nigerian ports of entry Beneficiaries: Domestic fish farmers, aquatic ecosystem, fish consumers Funding: Federal Government

How to Access

Apply for an import permit from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture Comply with quarantine and veterinary inspection requirements Import only from approved source countries with disease-free certifications Application method: Apply through the Department of Fisheries, Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

Important Terms

Permits are species-specific and quantity-limited Importation without a permit is a criminal offence Quarantine costs are borne by the importer

Official Resources

Website: https://www.fmard.gov.ng Contact: Department of Fisheries, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Fisheries Act, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 1993, the Customs and Excise Management Act, and the Convention on Biological Diversity as ratified by Nigeria.