‘Tilapia Farming Is More Lucrative Than Catfish’ - Inside Nigeria’s Aquaculture Shift

WorldFish is transforming Nigeria’s aquaculture sector by decentralizing the supply of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) seeds, addressing critical challenges in the tilapia value chain. Partnering with Premium Aquaculture Limited (PAL), WorldFish established a central breeding population and three satellite hatcheries across Delta, Ogun, and Nasarawa states. This strategy tackles two major issues: the underdeveloped tilapia value chain and limited access to high-quality fish seed for farmers.

For nearly 30 years, GIFT has fueled aquaculture’s rapid growth, benefiting millions worldwide. Aquaculture now supplies nearly half of global fish demand and is projected to grow 40% by 2030. GIFT, a fast-growing, adaptable strain of Nile tilapia, supports small-scale farmers with income and food security. Developed in 1988 by WorldFish and partners, GIFT has now been disseminated to 16 countries by WorldFish. 

To support production, WorldFish introduced 99 grow-out farms in Delta State and 10 pilot farms in Kwara State. Farmers received training, key inputs, and technical guidance during the initial production cycle. A traceable decentralization model ensures GIFT seed accessibility while maintaining broodstock quality and lineage from the breeding center to satellite hatcheries.

Farmers reported that GIFT tilapia reached an average weight of 600g within six months, demonstrating the species' rapid growth. Inspired by this success, many farmers are restocking their ponds, contributing to sustainable growth in tilapia farming across Nigeria.

Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Delta State’s aquaculture sector took a major step forward with the flag-off sales of GIFT by the Asaba cluster. This milestone launched tilapia sales, showcasing the immense potential of GIFT tilapia in diversifying the region’s aquatic food systems.

At the event, two ponds were partially harvested, yielding 80 kilograms of tilapia in fresh and value-added forms such as barbecued and smoked fish. This demonstrated the cluster’s ability to cater to consumer preferences while emphasizing tilapia’s market potential.

Monitoring visits to the UUFFA cluster and Pdexter and Joniro hatcheries highlighted progress. Farmers reported average fish weights of 600 grams, and hatcheries demonstrated commendable seed production, with Pdexter and Joniro collectively selling tens of thousands of mono-sex GIFT fry. Best Management Practices (BMPs) were reviewed, focusing on biosecurity, water quality, and feeding protocols to ensure sustainability.

Challenges, however, remain. Farmers face high mortality in early growth stages, hapa clogging, and oxygen dependency. Market penetration is also difficult, as local demand for tilapia is lower than for catfish. WorldFish provided guidance on reducing mortality, optimizing feeding, and exploring partnerships to expand market reach.

Despite these challenges, the Asaba cluster is making strides. Initiatives such as restocking ponds, acquiring preservation equipment, and seeking certification for export demonstrate a commitment to scaling operations. A proposed blast freezer could enhance distribution and storage, addressing market hurdles.

With sustained support and innovative strategies, Delta State is poised to make GIFT tilapia a cornerstone of its aquaculture sector, boosting food security and economic growth.

What Farmers Are Saying

Farmers shared how GIFT tilapia is helping them grow more fish earn more income and build stronger farms.

Frank Ijey, Canaanland Fish Farm, Warri, Delta State.

"Tilapia farming is more lucrative than catfish. WorldFish taught me the basics of raising tilapia. Until then, I knew nothing about tilapia. Since WorldFish supplied GIFT fingerlings to my farm and provided technical assistance, the fish’s growth has been exceptional.

"At harvest, I realized I wanted to do more tilapia production and share my knowledge. Farmers who once thought I was making a mistake are now asking to learn tilapia farming. My experience with WorldFish has been fantastic!" 

 

Mebere Igwe, President, Ika Fish Farmers Cooperative Society, Delta State.

"We started with catfish but struggled with tilapia farming until WorldFish’s intervention. Their training gave us deep knowledge of fishery, especially tilapia farming.

"In January 2024, our cluster received GIFT fingerlings and appropriate fish feed. On September 7, 2024, we commenced tilapia sales. Despite challenges, we overcame them with WorldFish’s guidance.

"Sales are low as tilapia is new in our local market. We devised a plan for a cold room and blast freezer for preservation and packaging. However, we need support to accomplish this. Without WorldFish’s guidance, we wouldn’t have achieved such a successful tilapia harvest. Our appeal is for continued support until we can become exporters."

Cordelia Beggi, United World Farmers' Fish Farm Association, Ekpan, Delta State

"I farmed catfish until WorldFish introduced me to tilapia. After training, I realized that tilapia, though delicate, thrives in freshwater.

"Throughout the six months of farming, I learned that tilapia can cohabit with catfish. At harvest, some of my tilapia weighed 600 grams!

"I thank WorldFish for their intervention. Tilapia has immense nutritional value, and through fish farming, we can fight poverty. God bless WorldFish!"

 

Sulaimon Basita, Ilorin South, Kwara State

"When I first started farming tilapia, I used local breeds, but they stopped growing regardless of feeding. We often used their fry to feed our catfish. Being chosen for WorldFish’s intervention was a great opportunity.

"Their technical assistance was top-notch. Any farmer following their template will achieve success. At five months, my tilapia weighed an average of 1.3kg. Hotel owners and barbecue spots were amazed when I supplied 30kg of table-sized tilapia.

"I now teach other farmers the techniques WorldFish taught us. The outcomes are worth the effort!"