(Business in Cameroon) - Nigeria is the first consumer of fishing products from the Benue River, in the northern region of Cameroon. This was revealed by the region’s delegation at the ministry of livestock, fisheries and animal industries (Minepia).

“I note that neighboring Nigeria absorbs more than 70% to 80% of the local fish production in Benue,” said a delegation official.

According to local sources, there is a higher demand on the Nigerian market and prices are more profitable. It should be noted, however, that Nigerians also fish intensively on the Benue River.

Not only the north region’s fishing production is exported to neighboring countries. Officially, most of the fish products from the Littoral and Southwestern regions are also sold to Nigeria. As well, out of the over 5,000 fishers operating in Lom Pangar dam’s reservoir, eastern region, more than 80% are foreigners and supply their countries.

What however contrasts is, fish consumption in Cameroon continues to be largely dominated by imports. The country spends more than CFA100 billion a year to import fish, official estimates showed. “Authorities must ensure that the local market is sufficiently supplied before authorizing exports,” the above-mentioned official suggested.

Brice R. Mbodiam