Stakeholders urge action on seafood safety in Nigeria
Seafood industry representatives called on Nigerian regulators to improve post-import handling standards after inspecting Whitesand Market in Lagos on the weekend. The delegation from Norwegian Seafood Council and SUFI warned that chemical misuse and inadequate storage by local vendors threaten public health despite strict European export controls. Finance Director Truls Hellnæs said contamination occurs after Norwegian stockfish enters Nigerian markets, where retailers lack proper training.
Fisheries consultant Abiodun Cheke confirmed that containers pass inspections by the European Free Trade Association and the Federal Department of Fisheries before shipment. She said enforcement must follow education programs that teach proper preservation methods without the use of chemicals. Local merchant Chikodi Onyekwere blamed rising import tariffs and logistics expenses that tripled costs and forced unsafe shortcuts.
Traders asked President Bola Tinubu to extend duty waivers on stockfish, an essential protein source for poor families. The group urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to strengthen monitoring systems. The visit aimed to promote safe handling practices and align Nigerian operations with international standards.
