Nigeria's fisheries subsidies before the WTO fisheries subsidies agreement
Abstract
This study examines fisheries subsidies in Nigeria, providing a qualitative perspective and analyzing government expenditures on the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sectors over four decades (1980–2022), along with stakeholders’ perceptions of these subsidies. A mixed-method approach was employed combining government budget documents, stakeholder survey, and desk research on fisheries subsidies. The total estimated subsidy allocation was 4.7 billion naira (~ 6.1 million USD, exchange rate: 1 USD = 765 naira), with the majority categorized as beneficial subsidies. Most stakeholders perceived fisheries subsidies on energy, inputs, preservation, processing, and training as beneficial, citing cost reduction, increased production, and improved livelihoods. A substantial number of respondents perceived that, within the energy sector, petrol is the most subsidized; among inputs, fingerlings receive the highest level of subsidy; and in the processing segment, smoking kilns are recognized as the most subsidized. Concerns about the impact of subsidies included risks of overfishing, the potential to incentivize exports at the expense of local consumption, and poor targeting of subsidy beneficiaries. Compared to countries in Asia, Europe, Russia, and the United States, Nigeria’s fisheries sector receives the least support in percentage of total subsidies and actual monetary value allocated. However, unlike most of these countries, Nigeria prioritizes aquaculture funding over capture fisheries. The assessment reveals how Nigeria’s evolving subsidy landscape reflects the principles of the WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement, highlighting the need for increased transparency, stock assessment, and support for local livelihoods. This study offers a foundation for shaping national fisheries subsidy frameworks that support global sustainability goals and promote long-term ecological and economic resilience in Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Abstract
Section titled “Abstract”Abstract This study examines fisheries subsidies in Nigeria, providing a qualitative perspective and analyzing government expenditures on the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sectors over four decades (1980–2022), along with stakeholders’ perceptions of these subsidies. A mixed-method approach was employed combining government budget documents, stakeholder survey, and desk research on fisheries subsidies. The total estimated subsidy allocation was 4.7 billion naira (~ 6.1 million USD, exchange rate: 1 USD = 765 naira), with the majority categorized as beneficial subsidies. Most stakeholders perceived fisheries subsidies on energy, inputs, preservation, processing, and training as beneficial, citing cost reduction, increased production, and improved livelihoods. A substantial number of respondents perceived that, within the energy sector, petrol is the most subsidized; among inputs, fingerlings receive the highest level of subsidy; and in the processing segment, smoking kilns are recognized as the most subsidized. Concerns about the impact of subsidies included risks of overfishing, the potential to incentivize exports at the expense of local consumption, and poor targeting of subsidy beneficiaries. Compared to countries in Asia, Europe, Russia, and the United States, Nigeria’s fisheries sector receives the least support in percentage of total subsidies and actual monetary value allocated. However, unlike most of these countries, Nigeria prioritizes aquaculture funding over capture fisheries. The assessment reveals how Nigeria’s evolving subsidy landscape reflects the principles of the WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement, highlighting the need for increased transparency, stock assessment, and support for local livelihoods. This study offers a foundation for shaping national fisheries subsidy frameworks that support global sustainability goals and promote long-term ecological and economic resilience in Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.