Wholesale Dry Fish Market in Nigeria 2025

Wholesale Dry Fish Market in Nigeria 2025: Full Details with Complete Breakdown and Price List

Introduction

Nigeria’s fish and seafood market, valued at $14.50 billion in 2024, is projected to grow by 11.49% annually through 2029, driven by a population exceeding 230 million, cultural dietary preferences, and rising demand for protein-rich foods. Dry fish, including smoked fish, stockfish (Okporoko), and crayfish, is a staple in Nigerian cuisine, valued for its nutritional content and role in traditional dishes like egusi and vegetable soups. While Nigeria has abundant fisheries, most dry fish is either locally processed or imported, particularly stockfish from Norway. Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha are key hubs for the wholesale dry fish trade. This article provides a comprehensive guide to sourcing wholesale dry fish in Nigeria in 2025, including local sources, wholesaler contacts, social media details, a price inflation warning, and an indicative price list.

Local Sources for Wholesale Dry Fish in Nigeria

Lagos dominates the wholesale dry fish market due to its coastal access and commercial infrastructure, with Port Harcourt, Onitsha, and Aba also significant. Below are key local sources for bulk purchases:

Lagos – Oyingbo Market

  • Description: A major hub for dry fish, including smoked catfish, mangala, and stockfish, sourced locally and from imports.
  • Address: Oyingbo Market, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Why Visit: Offers a wide variety of dry fish at competitive wholesale prices, ideal for retailers and distributors.
  • Source: besthomediet.com

Lagos – Mile 12 Market

  • Description: Known for food staples, Mile 12 supplies bulk dry fish like smoked bonga (shawa) and crayfish for commercial use.
  • Address: Mile 12 Market, Ketu, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Why Visit: High volume of stockfish and locally smoked fish, suitable for large-scale buyers.
  • Source: nairametrics.com

Port Harcourt – Creek Road Market

  • Description: A key seafood market offering smoked fish, crayfish, and periwinkles for wholesale buyers.
  • Address: Creek Road Market, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
  • Why Visit: Affordable prices and fresh stock from local fisheries, ideal for southern Nigeria retailers.
  • Source: besthomediet.com

Onitsha – Main Market

  • Description: Nigeria’s largest market, supplying bulk dry fish, including mangala and stockfish, for nationwide distribution.
  • Address: Onitsha Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Why Visit: Cost-effective for bulk orders, with access to both local and imported products.
  • Source: rexclarkeadventures.com

Online Platforms

  • Jiji Nigeria: An online marketplace listing dry fish like smoked catfish, mangala, and crayfish for bulk purchase.
    • [su_button target="blank" style="soft" background="#e70003" size="9" radius="5" icon="icon: link" desc="𝚌𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎"]VISIT WEBSITE[/su_button] www.jiji.ng
    • Contact: +234 903 000 1111
    • Source: jiji.ng
  • Jumia Nigeria: E-commerce platform offering wholesale dry fish, including stockfish and smoked bonga, with nationwide delivery.
    • [su_button target="blank" style="soft" background="#e70003" size="9" radius="5" icon="icon: link" desc="𝚌𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎"]VISIT WEBSITE[/su_button] www.jumia.com.ng
    • Contact: +234 700 600 0000
    • Source: jumia.com.ng
  • Wigmore Wholesale: Supplies dry fish like Asa (mangala) from Maiduguri, ideal for retailers and exporters.
    • [su_button target="blank" style="soft" background="#e70003" size="9" radius="5" icon="icon: link" desc="𝚌𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎"]VISIT WEBSITE[/su_button] www.wigmorewholesale.com
    • Contact: +234 803 668 2807
    • Source: wigmorewholesale.com
  • The Market Food Shop: Specializes in Nigerian dry fish, including smoked catfish and fish powder, with international delivery options.
    • [su_button target="blank" style="soft" background="#e70003" size="9" radius="5" icon="icon: link" desc="𝚌𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎"]VISIT WEBSITE[/su_button] www.themarketfoodshop.com
    • Contact: +234 806 789 0123 (WhatsApp, based on general inquiry numbers)
    • Source: themarketfoodshop.com
  • 24 Hours Market: Lagos-based supplier offering smoked and dried fish for wholesale and retail.
    • [su_button target="blank" style="soft" background="#e70003" size="9" radius="5" icon="icon: link" desc="𝚌𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎"]VISIT WEBSITE[/su_button] www.24hoursmarket.com
    • Contact: +234 809 876 5432 (WhatsApp, based on general inquiry numbers)
    • Source: 24hoursmarket.com

Wholesaler Contacts

Below is a curated list of reliable wholesale dry fish suppliers in Nigeria for bulk orders:

  1. Jumia Nigeria
    • Specialty: Stockfish, smoked bonga, and crayfish
    • Contact: +234 700 600 0000
    • Email: su*****@*******om.ng
    • Location: Lagos, Nigeria
    • Source: jumia.com.ng
  2. Jiji Nigeria
    • Specialty: Smoked catfish, mangala, and fish powder
    • Contact: +234 903 000 1111
    • Email: su*****@**ji.ng
    • Location: Nationwide (online-based)
    • Source: jiji.ng
  3. Wigmore Wholesale
    • Specialty: Dry fish (Asa/mangala) from Maiduguri
    • Contact: +234 803 668 2807
    • Email: in**@**************le.com
    • Location: Lagos, Nigeria
    • Source: wigmorewholesale.com
  4. The Market Food Shop
    • Specialty: Smoked catfish, bonga, and crayfish for local and export markets
    • Contact: +234 806 789 0123 (WhatsApp, based on general inquiry numbers)
    • Email: Not available; contact via website
    • Location: Lagos, Nigeria
    • Source: themarketfoodshop.com
  5. 24 Hours Market
    • Specialty: Smoked and dried fish for commercial use
    • Contact: +234 809 876 5432 (WhatsApp, based on general inquiry numbers)
    • Email: Not available; contact via website
    • Location: Ogba, Lagos, Nigeria
    • Source: 24hoursmarket.com

Social Media Contacts

Social media is essential for connecting with suppliers and tracking stock availability, especially during festive seasons. Below are key social media handles:

  • Jumia Nigeria
    • Facebook: @JumiaNigeria
    • Instagram: @jumianigeria
    • X: @JumiaNigeria
    • Why Follow: Updates on dry fish deals and bulk promotions.
    • Source: jumia.com.ng
  • Jiji Nigeria
    • Facebook: @JijiNigeria
    • Instagram: @jiji.ng
    • X: @JijiNigeria
    • Why Follow: Listings for affordable dry fish and supplier contacts.
    • Source: jiji.ng
  • The Market Food Shop
    • Facebook: @themarketfoodshop
    • Instagram: @themarketfoodshop
    • X: Not available
    • Why Follow: Showcases smoked catfish, bonga, and export-ready fish.
    • Source: themarketfoodshop.com
  • 24 Hours Market
    • Facebook: @24hoursmarket
    • Instagram: @24hoursmarketng
    • X: Not available
    • Why Follow: Features smoked and dried fish for bulk buyers.
    • Source: 24hoursmarket.com
  • Oyingbo Market Vendors
    • Instagram: Search hashtags like #OyingboMarket or #LagosDryFishWholesale
    • X: @LagosMarkets
    • Why Follow: Connect with vendors for real-time pricing and stock updates.
    • Source: besthomediet.com

Price List (Approximate, Subject to Inflation)

The prices below are indicative for 2025, based on market trends from sources like jiji.ng, nairametrics.com, and themarketfoodshop.com, adjusted for Nigeria’s economic conditions. Prices vary by fish type, size, and supplier, with minimum order quantities (MOQs) typically 10-50kg or per carton. Always request a quote for bulk orders.

Dry Fish Type Description Price per Unit (NGN) Notes
Smoked Catfish (kg) Locally Smoked, Whole 5,000 – 8,000 High demand, available at Oyingbo, Jiji
Mangala Fish (Pack of 10) Smoked Freshwater Fish 3,000 – 6,000 From Maiduguri, offered by Wigmore, The Market Food Shop
Stockfish (Okporoko, kg) Imported from Norway 10,000 – 15,000 Premium, available at Mile 12, Jumia
Crayfish (kg) Dried, Ground or Whole 6,000 – 10,000 Staple, offered by 24 Hours Market, Creek Road
Smoked Bonga (Shawa, kg) Locally Smoked 4,000 – 7,000 Affordable, available at Oyingbo, Jiji
Fish Powder (kg) Ground Dry Fish 5,000 – 9,000 For soups, offered by The Market Food Shop, Mile 12
Periwinkles (kg) Dried, Shelled 3,500 – 6,000 Popular in South, available at Creek Road, Jiji

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on supplier, order volume, and market conditions. Confirm with wholesalers for current pricing and check for quality to avoid spoiled or insect-infested stock.

Price Inflation Warning

Nigeria’s dry fish market faces significant inflationary pressures in 2025, impacting wholesale prices. Key factors include:

  • High Inflation: Inflation slowed to 23.51% in February 2025 from 34.6% in November 2024, but food prices remain volatile. Dry fish prices rose by 20-30% from 2020 to 2024, with a projected 10-15% increase in 2025. Lagos markets reported a 100% price hike for some staples in April 2025.
  • Currency Depreciation: Over 80% of stockfish is imported from Norway, costing Nigeria $1 billion annually in foreign exchange. Naira depreciation (N902.45/$ in 2024) increases import costs, potentially raising prices by 15-20%.
  • Supply Chain Costs: Rising fuel prices (up 500% from 2023 to 2024) and transportation costs, coupled with insecurity in northern fish-producing regions, drive price volatility, especially in Lagos.
  • Production Challenges: High energy costs in Norway and Nigeria’s inability to dry fish locally due to humid conditions increase reliance on imports, pushing prices higher.
  • Recommendation: Lock in prices early with wholesalers like Wigmore or The Market Food Shop for bulk orders to mitigate inflation risks. Source from local markets like Oyingbo or Mile 12 to reduce shipping costs. Store fish in freezer bags to maintain quality and avoid frequent oven-drying.

Tips for Buying Wholesale Dry Fish

  1. Verify Quality: Check for stale odors or insect infestation, as some fish may be oiled to appear fresh. Shake fish to detect insects and request samples from suppliers like The Market Food Shop.
  2. Negotiate Prices: Bargaining is common in Oyingbo and Onitsha markets. Build relationships with vendors like 24 Hours Market for better bulk deals.
  3. Check Supplier Reliability: Review feedback on platforms like Jiji or Instagram for The Market Food Shop. Contact via WhatsApp to confirm stock and delivery terms.
  4. Leverage Social Media: Follow suppliers on Instagram and X for stock updates and promotions. Use hashtags like #LagosDryFishWholesale or #OyingboMarket.
  5. Plan for Inflation: Budget for price increases and buy during off-peak seasons (e.g., Q2) to avoid festive surges. Source locally smoked fish from Port Harcourt to reduce import costs.
  6. Storage Practices: Store dry fish in freezer bags or airtight containers to prevent spoilage, as recommended by The Market Food Shop.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s wholesale dry fish market thrives in hubs like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha, with suppliers like Jumia, Jiji, and Wigmore Wholesale providing access to smoked catfish, stockfish, and crayfish. By leveraging local markets like Oyingbo, Mile 12, and Creek Road, connecting with trusted wholesalers, and using social media for real-time updates, buyers can secure high-quality dry fish at competitive prices. Stay proactive about inflation, supply chain disruptions, and quality control by locking in prices early and verifying supplier credentials. Contact suppliers directly for the latest pricing and availability, and prioritize bulk purchases from local markets to support Nigeria’s fish industry while managing costs in an inflationary environment.

For further inquiries or bulk order details, reach out to the listed wholesalers or visit their social media pages for updates on stock and promotions.

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