In an effort to boost Nigeria’s aquaculture sector, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has partnered with SejFarms Consult Limited (SejFarms) and the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA WISHH).
As part of the initiative, ten young aquaculture leaders from Nigeria were chosen through a competitive procedure and given the chance to obtain hands-on experience in contemporary fish farming.
During a thorough five-month training program, the participants learned important strategies, such as the usage of soybeans in fish feed, which is thought to be essential for improving the caliber of fish farming methods.
Chris Bielecki, Agricultural Counselor at the U.S. Mission, who spoke at the graduation ceremony, emphasized the value of agriculture in the partnership between the United States and Nigeria, pointing out that encouraging innovation in the industry supports Nigeria’s economic stability and food security.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would prolong their cooperation for the ensuing three years further cemented the alliance between ASA WISHH and SejFarms.
It is anticipated that this agreement will increase fish production in Nigeria and help open up new aquaculture-related possibilities for young Nigerians.
Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu, the managing director and chief executive officer of SejFarms, emphasized in his remarks the importance of the MOU in fostering the expansion of aquaculture in Nigeria.
Additionally, he said, this program would provide additional training in the production of high-quality fish feed, which is a crucial part of sustainable fish farming.
ASA Director Jamie Beyer, a soybean farmer from Minnesota, expressed gratitude to the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service for its assistance in promoting agricultural trade between the United States and Nigeria.
He noted that there was a lot of potential for this relationship to increase the market share of American soybeans in Nigeria’s booming aquaculture industry.
The collaboration will boost the local aquaculture sector and offer long-term advantages to the area, according to Nancy Kavazanjian, a soybean farmer from Wisconsin and a member of the ASA WISHH trade team to Nigeria.
Enhancing cooperation between U.S. and Nigerian agribusinesses has been a priority for the U.S. Mission. The two nations’ bilateral agricultural commerce reached $429 million in 2024, and it is predicted to more than double by 2025.