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Salmon are cold-water fish known for their rich taste, high protein content, and unique life cycle of migrating between fresh and saltwater.
They’re one of the most valuable fish species globally—popular in homes, restaurants, and wellness diets. But while they thrive in cooler climates like Norway and Canada, raising them in a hot country like Nigeria comes with major challenges and untapped opportunities.
Salmon fish farming in Nigeria is still very new, but the demand for salmon—especially preserved or smoked types—is growing fast. Even though salmon need cold water to grow, and Nigeria is a hot country, there’s serious interest in making it work. This piece breaks down where we are, what’s challenging, and where the big opportunities lie.
Current Situation of Salmon Farming in Nigeria
Right now, Nigeria mostly farms warm-water fish like catfish and tilapia, which make up almost 90% of our farmed fish. But here’s the thing—Nigerians love salmon, and we spend over $108 million yearly importing it (2024 numbers). Most of this comes from China, South Africa, and India.
Even though it’s hard to raise salmon here, there’s a chance to tap into this growing demand if we invest in things like cold storage and fish feed factories.
Quick Facts
- Top Salmon Suppliers to Nigeria:
- China: $42 million
- South Africa: $28 million
- India: $18 million
- China: $42 million
- Nigeria’s Target:
Grow aquaculture from 300,000 to 2.5 million metric tons by 2035.
Jobs:
Fish farming gives jobs to over 13,000 people—40% of small-scale processors are women.
Buy frozen Salmon fish here>>
Why It’s Hard to Farm Salmon in Nigeria
1. Salmon Like Cold Water
Salmon, especially the Atlantic species (Salmo salar), grow best in cold water—around 16°C or lower. Nigeria’s water is naturally hot (25–30°C), which makes it hard to raise them the normal way in ponds or cages.
2. Tech Solutions Are Being Tested
To solve this, some people are trying out recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). These are tank systems that control water temperature and oxygen. A few are running in Lagos and Abuja, but they’re expensive to power—electricity alone takes up about 30% of the cost.
How Much It Costs to Start Salmon Farming
We don’t have enough data for salmon costs specifically, but catfish farming gives us an idea:
| Cost Type | Small Farm (1–3 plots) | Big Farm (5–25 acres) |
|---|---|---|
|
Land & Pond Setup |
₦400k – ₦4m |
₦5m – ₦30m |
|
Feed (1,000 fish) |
₦560k – ₦840k |
₦8.4m – ₦12.6m |
|
Stocking Juveniles |
₦35k – ₦50k |
₦350k – ₦500k |
|
Labour & Utilities |
₦200k – ₦500k |
₦2m – ₦5m |
For salmon, feed can cost 40–60% more, and each RAS setup could cost ₦10–15 million.
What Government Is Doing
- ₦207.3 million budgeted to build local feed mills across all regions
- ₦151 million for better post-harvest infrastructure
These moves can lower fish farming costs by about 15–20%.
Where the Opportunities Are
1. Eco-Friendly Farming (IMTA)
Projects in the Niger Delta are testing Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)—raising fish alongside algae or shellfish. It’s a sustainable system that reduces waste and uses fewer resources.
2. Solar Cold Storage is Helping
Innovations like solar-powered dryers and off-grid cold rooms are helping farmers store fish longer. This cuts down losses by 30%, especially for imported salmon.
Final Thoughts
Salmon farming in Nigeria is tough, but it has serious potential. Yes, it’s expensive—but if done right, it could meet the growing urban demand and reduce imports. Experts suggest a hybrid approach: use existing catfish farming know-how, mix in new tech (like RAS), and go slowly into salmon.
If you’re thinking of getting into it, consider partnering with research institutes or applying for grants like those from WAAPP. Salmon could become Nigeria’s premium fish product by 2035 if we play it smart.
