Catfish farming in Nigeria is a lucrative and environmentally friendly business that can be started with minimal capital and scaled up over time.
This guide provides a detailed business plan to help you establish and grow a successful catfish farming enterprise.
Whether you have a small space or are looking to expand into a larger operation, this plan covers everything from initial setup to long-term sustainability.
Executive Summary
[Your Fish Farm Name] is a modern catfish farming operation in Nigeria dedicated to producing high-quality, sustainably farmed catfish for the Nigerian market.
We aim to revolutionize the industry by integrating innovative techniques with traditional practices.
Our target market includes local consumers, supermarkets, and restaurants who prioritize quality and sustainability in their food choices. We aim to capture a significant market share by providing superior products that meet the needs of our diverse customer base.
Our sales forecast reveals turnover of ₦ 22,320,000, ₦25,668,000, and ₦29,317,800 for the first 3 years respectively. With estimated average break-even of 1152 units of catfish per cycle. [Your Fish Farm Name] is poised to become a successful and sustainable catfish farming business in Nigeria. By combining modern aquaculture techniques with a strong focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and responsible practices, we will not only contribute to the growth of the Nigerian aquaculture industry but also provide a high-quality, healthy food source for the nation.
1. Business Description
[Your Fish Farm Name] is a commercial catfish farm located in [Your Location, Nigeria].
We specialize in the production of high-quality Clarias gariepinus catfish for the Nigerian market. This specie is chosen because of its fast growth rate, adaptability, ease of breeding and high disease resistant.
There are different technologies to choose from including Biofloc Technology (BFT), intensive Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), and traditional earthen ponds in catfish production. However, we’ll adopt the traditional earthen ponds with improved water management.
Considering our budget, this approach is cost effective, flexible, adaptable to local conditions, and sustainable. By implementing innovative pond design, enhanced water management, optimized feeding, stock and health management, we’ll achieve our objective of producing high-quality catfish for the Nigerian market.
The Mission
To be a leading provider of high-quality fresh, healthy, and sustainably sourced catfish, exceeding customer expectations and contributing positively to the Nigerian economy.
The Vision
To become a leading force in the Nigerian aquaculture industry, setting new standards for sustainable and innovative fish farming practices.
The Objectives
Short-term objectives:
- Achieve breakeven within the first 18 months of operation.
- Establish strong relationships with 15 key restaurant and supermarket chains within the first 12 months.
- Increase monthly sales by 15% within the first 18 months
Long-term objectives:
- Expand production capacity by 30% within 36 months.
- Introduce biofloc technology within 48 months.
- Become a certified organic or sustainable aquaculture producer in Nigeria with established brands in 60 months.

This is Superb!!! Highly enlightening!!
Thanks, if you need anything please, don’t hesitate to ask.
This fish biz plan seems less detailed compared to the pig production. Also, how can I get in touch with you for I appreciate the wonderful work presented there and hoping for investment. Well done. Great teachers.
We are working on updating the fish business plan with the latest information based on experience we’ve had on the business. You can contact us through the contact form, except if you want direct consultation.
Thanks for this write up.
It is an eye opener and enlightening for me.
Thank you. Soon we will upload a cost calculator to assist you when starting up or expanding your business.
Please admin can we get a company balance sheet for the fish farming
Yes, we are rolling out spreadsheet templates to handle financial projections. By next week, we shall make available templates for cash flow and profit & loss, then the balance sheet will follow later.
Thank you.
What will be your fee for providing the technical know how of the business. Can you also be a reliable vendor to provide all the equipment needed for the business? I reside in Warri Delta State. I want to go into this business using this business plan.
Thank you, Joseph. We will assist you to any extent you want for a small consultation fee. It will be ideal for you to check around the Warri area for some of the items to reduce transport costs. For example, check if you can get who can construct a mobile pond of 1000 capacity and how much. We can ship one for you at N90,000, but you will bear the cost of transportation.
Any item you cannot get, let us know so we can assist you. By next week, we shall be publishing a cost calculator to assist you calculate the expected capital outlay depending on the quantity of stock you want, and the expected profit per batch. Please, use the contact form to itemize what you want us to help you do so we can calculate the administrative charges.
Thank you
I have sent you a mail. Pls read and reply. I didn’t know where to get the contact form. The contact phone number I saw and called, the recipient couldn’t say much. My phone number is also in the email I sent.
Good day, Thanks for the write-up, i’m confused in your sales of N2,000,000 for 6months, when you reared 1000 fingerlings sold @ N1000/KG, it seems the equation is missing somewhere, help me out . thanks
Good day,
Please, I want to know if the confusion is from the business plan or from the financial cost calculator. please, revert back so I can assist you. Meanwhile, N2million sales should be for one year. That is 1000 stock per six months. Remember that it is just an estimate. Use the financial calculator to get the approximate cost and profit of your proposed stock per batch. Get the calculator here: http://www.kmacims.com.ng/startup-cost-for-businesses/
Thanks
I’m referring to this sales Under Month 6 (N2M) also month 12 (N2M), where as you only reared 1000 fingerlings @ N1000/KG http://www.kmacims.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Cashflow-Fish-farm-biz-plan-min.png
Ok, I now understand. This is a typical cashflow statement for 12-month period. The stock for the cashflow is 2000 fingerlings @ 20 each. That gave you 40,000. However, as an estimate, you get 2,000,000 revenue for the 2000 mature fish. But note that mortality rate was not considered here. That is why we are creating a cash flow template that will take care of the mortality rate and give you the actual cash flow based on the number of stock you have per month. What we presented in this article is just an estimate.
Apologies for responding very late, I am just seeing this now.
Thank you.
Thank you for this enlightening plan.
Please where can I get affordable pelleting machine and dryer.
Can you please share good catfish meal formula and ingredients with me
Thank you very much
Thank you Olamilekan,
For now, we buy all our feeds from the market. We are not into feed mixture and production.
However, you can check the following links
1. Jiji – https://jiji.ng/farm-machinery-equipment/pellet
2. Afrimash – https://www.afrimash.com/shop/agricultural-equipment/outdoor-agricultural-equipment/motor-machines/feed-pelleting-machine/
Thanks.
Admin, well done. More power to your elbow. Please I need your contact.
Thanks, Tonychrys. You can use the contact link: http://www.kmacims.com.ng/contact.
Thank You.
Hi, you have businessplan for prawn,/shrimp farm indoir
No sir.
Thank you.