Falling to a series low
Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 10.67 Kilogram in 2015 to 6.90 Kilogram in 2023 (−35.3%), an average of −5.3% a year. The series high was 10.67 Kilogram in 2015 and the low 6.90 Kilogram in 2023.
What Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita shows
Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 6.90 Kilogram in 2023, down 2.1% on 2022. Nigeria fish and seafood production per Capita from 2015 to 2023 highlights the country’s dependence on fisheries, aquaculture development, and seafood availability as part of its food and beverages sector. With access to the Atlantic Ocean, rivers, and inland water resources, Nigeria has significant potential for fish production.
A 35.3% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2023) is 3.77 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −18.2% in 2016.
Ranks 31 of 33 countries covered
Among the 33 countries in this dataset, Nigeria ranks 31 for 2023, behind South Korea (52.82 Kilogram) and Malaysia (51.03 Kilogram). The global figure for 2023 is 19.93 Kilogram, so Nigeria is below it.
Full series
Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 6.90 | −2.1% |
| 2022 | 7.05 | −2.1% |
| 2021 | 7.20 | −17.9% |
| 2020 | 8.77 | +2.6% |
| 2019 | 8.55 | 0% |
| 2018 | 8.55 | −1.6% |
| 2017 | 8.69 | −0.5% |
| 2016 | 8.73 | −18.2% |
| 2015Peak | 10.67 | — |
Regional context
How Nigeria compares across countries
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by country, 2023, Kilogram. Nigeria is highlighted.
1South Korea52.82
2Malaysia51.03
3China41.68
4Indonesia40.42
5Vietnam40.06
6Spain36.80
7France32.64
31Nigeria6.90
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita — Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
The data includes fish and seafood products available for human consumption, covering a broad range of aquatic food categories such as marine fish, freshwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other seafood products. The indicator incorporates supply-side factors including domestic fisheries production, aquaculture output, imports, exports, and stock adjustments to estimate annual food availability. The dataset is compiled from international food balance statistics and provides country-wise estimates for the selected time period. Values are calculated on a per capita basis by dividing total available fish and seafood supply by the population of each country.
The data does not represent actual individual consumption, dietary intake, or household-level seafood purchasing behavior. It does not measure nutritional quality, protein content, food waste, or differences in consumption patterns among population groups. The indicator excludes non-food uses of fish and seafood products, such as industrial applications, animal feed, and other commercial uses. It also does not directly measure fisheries sustainability, environmental impacts, or the economic value of the seafood industry. Differences may occur due to variations in statistical reporting methods, population estimates, trade data accuracy, and food supply accounting systems used across countries.
About this indicator
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita — Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
The fisheries sector plays an important role in supporting food security, employment opportunities, and income generation for millions of communities. However, fish and seafood availability showed a declining trend during the period, decreasing from 10.67 kilograms per person in 2015 to 6.90 kilograms in 2023.
Between 2015 and 2018, Nigeria experienced a consistent decline in fish and seafood availability, falling from 10.67 kilograms to 8.55 kilograms per capita. This reduction was influenced by challenges in domestic production, limited aquaculture capacity, fishing constraints, and increasing demand pressure. Despite having significant aquatic resources, the country has faced difficulties in meeting growing seafood consumption requirements through local production.
From 2019 to 2020, fish and seafood availability remained relatively stable at 8.55 kilograms and 8.77 kilograms respectively. However, from 2021 onwards, availability declined further, reaching 7.20 kilograms in 2021, 7.05 kilograms in 2022, and 6.90 kilograms in 2023. The reduction reflects ongoing challenges related to fisheries management, production efficiency, supply chain limitations, and changing market conditions.
Nigeria’s fish and seafood industry consists of marine fisheries, inland fisheries, and aquaculture farming. Important seafood products include catfish, tilapia, croaker, shrimp, and other freshwater and marine species. Aquaculture has become increasingly important as a solution to improve domestic fish production and reduce reliance on imports.
Overall, the 2015–2023 trend indicates a significant decline in Nigeria’s fish and seafood availability, highlighting the need for stronger fisheries policies, investment in aquaculture infrastructure, improved production technologies, and sustainable resource management. Enhancing the seafood sector will be essential for improving food security, supporting livelihoods, and meeting future demand in Nigeria.
- Indicator
- Fish & Seafood Production per Capita
- Country
- Nigeria
- Region
- Africa
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
Cite this dataset
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
Copied
Frequently asked questions
What is Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
What was Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita in 2023?
Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 6.90 Kilogram in 2023, down 2.1% on 2022.
How has Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 10.67 Kilogram in 2015 to 6.90 Kilogram in 2023 (−35.3%), an average of −5.3% a year. The series high was 10.67 Kilogram in 2015 and the low 6.90 Kilogram in 2023.
Which year had the highest and lowest Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
The highest value was 10.67 Kilogram in 2015 and the lowest was 6.90 Kilogram in 2023.
What does the Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes fish and seafood products available for human consumption, covering a broad range of aquatic food categories such as marine fish, freshwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other seafood products. The indicator incorporates supply-side factors including domestic fisheries production, aquaculture output, imports, exports, and stock adjustments to estimate annual food availability. The dataset is compiled from international food balance statistics and provides country-wise estimates for the selected time period. Values are calculated on a per capita basis by dividing total available fish and seafood supply by the population of each country. Excluded: The data does not represent actual individual consumption, dietary intake, or household-level seafood purchasing behavior. It does not measure nutritional quality, protein content, food waste, or differences in consumption patterns among population groups. The indicator excludes non-food uses of fish and seafood products, such as industrial applications, animal feed, and other commercial uses. It also does not directly measure fisheries sustainability, environmental impacts, or the economic value of the seafood industry. Differences may occur due to variations in statistical reporting methods, population estimates, trade data accuracy, and food supply accounting systems used across countries.
Where does the Nigeria Fish & Seafood Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..2023&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Fish+and+seafood&Metric=Food+available+for+consumption&Per+capita=true&Unit=Kilograms+per+year). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Kilogram.
Need more data?
Get in touch with our research team
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.