The Global Director of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) and Chief Executive Officer of Aquaglobal Inter Solutions, Dr. Olarenwaju Badmus, has highlighted the potential economic implications of the United States’ ban on smoked catfish exports from Nigeria, advocating for the lifting of Nigerian smoked catfish to the US.
Dr. Badmus raised the concern while delivering a paper titled “Trade Restrictions and Livelihoods: Evaluating Economic Effects of the U.S. Ban on Nigerian Smoked Catfish Exports” at the 156th Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society (AFS 156) in Columbus, Ohio.
The annual meeting, being held from 30th of August to the 3rd of September 2026, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, brings together fisheries and aquatic resource professionals to discuss issues affecting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture globally
.In his presentation, Dr. Badmus examined the economic consequences of restrictions on Nigeria’s smoked catfish exports to the United States, with emphasis on their implications for producers, processors, traders and other actors whose livelihoods depend on the aquaculture industry.
He noted that restrictions on access to international markets could have wider effects beyond exporters, potentially affecting income generation and economic opportunities throughout the catfish value chain.
Dr. Badmus commended the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for its efforts towards addressing the trade restriction, noting that the Department had submitted the Sanitary Requirements Template (SRT) to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The presentation also drew attention to the need for stronger measures to improve the quality, safety and international competitiveness of Nigerian smoked catfish, particularly as the country seeks to expand its presence in global seafood markets.
The AFS 156 meeting, themed “The Heart of Sustainability: Habitat as the Foundation of Productive Fisheries,” features discussions, technical presentations and networking activities focused on the sustainability and productivity of fisheries and aquatic resources.
The meeting is expected to provide opportunities for experts and stakeholders from different parts of the world to exchange knowledge and explore solutions to challenges confronting the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
