The Global Director of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), Dr. Olarenwaju Badmus, has engaged the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States in a strategic diplomatic meeting aimed at advocating for the resumption of smoked catfish exports from Nigeria to the U.S. market.
The engagement, held in Washington, D.C., underscores the importance of diplomatic collaboration in addressing trade barriers affecting Nigeria’s aquaculture industry and strengthening the country’s position in the global seafood market.
In a milestone advancement for international trade advocacy, Olarenwaju Badmus, the Global Director of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) and CEO of Aquaglobal Inter Solutions, met directly with His Excellency, Rtd. Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United States, to present the case for diplomatic intervention to lift the U.S. restriction on Nigerian smoked catfish exports.Factor this too
Dr. Badmus highlighted the economic significance of Nigeria’s catfish industry, which supports fish farmers, processors, traders, transporters and other stakeholders across the aquaculture value chain. He emphasized that the continued restriction on smoked catfish exports has implications for the livelihoods of operators and the international competitiveness of Nigeria’s fish products.
The WAS Global Director called for renewed dialogue between relevant Nigerian authorities and U.S. regulatory institutions to explore pathways toward resolving the issues surrounding the export restriction. Such efforts, he noted, could help promote compliance with international food safety standards, improve product quality and restore access to the American market.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to underscore the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, diplomatic missions, aquaculture organizations and industry stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s seafood export potential.
The proposed resumption of smoked catfish exports is expected to create new market opportunities for Nigerian fish processors, stimulate investment in value addition and contribute to foreign exchange earnings, job creation and the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector.
The diplomatic engagement reflects the growing commitment of the World Aquaculture Society to supporting initiatives that promote international cooperation, market access and the advancement of aquaculture in Nigeria and beyond.
AgriGens Media will continue to monitor developments surrounding efforts to facilitate the return of Nigerian smoked catfish products to the U.S. market.
