G/LIC/Q/NGA/1  
 
27 October 2014  
(14-6227)  Page: 1/2  
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
RESPONSES BY NIGERIA TO THE CONCER NS RAISED BY IC ELAND, NORWAY 
AND URUGUAY ON THE REPORTED RESTRICTIVE POLICY BY NIGERIA 
ON IMPORTATION OF FISH AND FISH PRODUCTS 
 
The following communication, dated 20 October 2014, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of Nigeria. 
 
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 The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under its Agricultural Transformation 
Agenda is considering new regulations in the fishing industry. The proposed new fish import policy 
would eliminate the unwholesome and sharp practices of importers of frozen fish on health ground. It also aims at addressing Nigeria's economic development objectives. The concerns raised by 
Argentina, Uruguay, Iceland and Norway on ban on fish importation are not factual given that 
Nigeria has not come up with any fiscal policy that places a ban on importation of fish and fish products. There is no official gazette or document from Federal Ministry of Finance to this effect. 
However, Nigeria is mindful of its obligation of protecting its human health (GATT Article XX(b)) by 
preventing the importation of unwholesome frozen fish capable of causing health hazards to its entire populace. The proposed new Fish Policy also aims at stimulating domestic production that will lead to a 25% reduction of fish importation annually in order to grow the fish industry in 
Nigeria which is at early stages of development (GATT Article XVIII recognizes measures taken for 
the economic development of strategic industries as a legitimate objective) and encourages fish 
importers to engage in fish farming enterprises. Nigeria is also concerned with the very high and 
increasing annual fish importation bill which is not only unsustainable but could result into Balance 
of Payment deficits (GATT Articles XII and XVIII). This trend needs to be corrected so that the country will not face serious economic/financial crisis. 
 
In coming up with the proposed new fish import policy, Nigeria is mindful of its obligations and commitments to Multilateral Trading System and would follow the WTO process of harvesting the views and comments of all the stakeholders including WTO Members before the new policy is 
introduced. 
 ISSUES OF CONCERN TO THE TRADING PARTNER 
 
1.  Whether there are restrictions or ban in the im portation of fish and fish products by the Federal 
Government of Nigeria. 
 
Answer 
 There is no ban placed on importation of fish and fish products by the Federal Government of 
Nigeria.  However there are restrictions on importation of farmed fish on an MFN basis for 
economic development reasons (GATT Article I).  
2.  Whether Nigeria is considering measures such as quota restrictions, import licence or 
significant increase in import duties/levies on fish and fish products to reduce imports.  
Answer 
 
Nigeria is considering the introduction of quota restrictions in fish importation within the ambit of GATT Article XIII on administration of quantitative restrictions in order to avail its teeming 
population of fresh and wholesome fish and to prevent health hazards that could arise from G/LIC/Q/NGA/1 
 
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  prolonged storage of fish and fish products due to over importation as it is the case with some big 
fish importers in Nigeria (GATT Article XX(b) and (d)). Nigeria is not introducing an import license regime or planning to increase in import duties of fish and fish products to reduce imports, however Nigeria wishes to state that it reserves the right to use its policy space of increasing 
import tariffs within its bound limit should the need arise. 
 3.  Whether Nigeria has introduced or intends to introduce a new import 
regime/procedure/guidelines fo r fish and fish products. 
 Answer 
 
The new Fish Import policy is still at formulation stage. The proposed policy, after harvesting the 
views of all the stakeholders (importers, exporter s, producers and consumers) will have to pass 
through the Tariff Technical Committee which is chaired by the Federal Ministry of Finance; the 
Federal Executive Council and before the Presidential approval. 
 4.  Whether Nigeria is going to impose quotas for certain fish species or considering a reduction of 
imported fish and fish products by 25% annually. 
 Answer 
 
In line with its economic development objectiv e permissible under GATT Article XVIII, Nigeria 
based on its comparative and competitive advantages, intends to stimulate growth in its fish industry and reduce the huge import bill that could threaten its Balance of Payment position. 
 
5.  Whether Nigeria would restrict access to foreign currency, thereby making it difficult for Nigerian Companies to have access to foreign currency to pay for their imported fish and fish 
products. 
 Answer 
 
No, Nigeria with its deregulation policy does not restrict access to foreign exchange. 
 6. Whether there are consultations with fish and fish products importers/exporters in Nigeria. 
 
Answer 
 
Yes, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been holding consultative meetings 
with the fish and fish product stakeholders incl uding importers/exporters, producers, consumers, 
organized private sectors in Nigeria.  
7.  Whether the new guidelines have been notified to the WTO and published at the appropriate 
website  
Answer 
 
The guidelines are being drafted alongside with the new policy and would be notified to the WTO 
as soon as it is finalized in line with Nigeria's commitments to the WTO. 
 
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