News in Brief:
– Nigeria’s agriculture minister inaugurated a new fish hatchery in Cross River State that will produce 20 million fish juveniles annually.
– This initiative, supported by various stakeholders, is expected to boost food security, create jobs, and drive economic growth in the region.
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, inaugurated a state-of-the-art fish hatchery facility in Calabar. The facility is designed to produce over 20 million fish juveniles annually.
Beyond its primary function, the hatchery also boasts a well-equipped laboratory and classrooms for educational purposes. It will serve as a crucial research centre for advancing aquaculture practices in the country.
Collaborative effort for food security
The establishment of the hatchery was made possible through the combined efforts of various stakeholders, including the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Other partners include the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), the Cross River State Government, the USAID Feed the Future Project, and Private sector partners.
Boosting food security and job creation
Speaking during the inauguration, Senator Kyari noted the dual benefits of the facility. According to the minister, this encompasses enhanced food security and job creation. The minster noted that this was essential in increasing fish production as well as creating employment opportunities for youth and women in the aquaculture sector.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the South-South region as a hub for oil and fisheries in Nigeria.
Senator Kyari noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes technological advancements in the agri-food system to drive job creation, youth empowerment, and poverty reduction.
Addressing challenges in fish farming
Meanwhile, Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Agriculture and Irrigation Development Commissioner Johnson Ebokpo, expressed optimism that the hatchery would alleviate challenges related to fish availability and accessibility.
He said that these issues have hindered fish farming in the region and highlighted the potential for reduced fish feed production costs, which can lead to more profitability for fish farmers. Also, he expressed gratitude for the support of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in facilitating foreign aid projects in the state.
Transforming aquaculture in the Niger Delta
Subsequently, Abiodun Sanni, National Project Coordinator for LIFE-ND, highlighted the project’s potential to transform aquaculture in Cross River. He expressed optimism that the initiative will generate jobs, promote wealth, and ensure food security, especially for young people in the Niger Delta.
Dr. Ben Odoemena, Chief of the Party for USAID Feed the Future Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services, highlighted the economic impact of the hatchery. He estimated that the production of 20 million juveniles could inject approximately ₦1.6 billion into the Cross River economy annually, with the potential to generate around ₦60 billion annually if managed effectively.
Nigeria’s aquaculture sector breakdown
Meanwhile, Nigeria has a significant aquaculture sector, ranking as the second-largest producer in Africa. The sector is driven primarily by small-scale farmers, with a growing number of commercial operations.
In 2022, Nigeria’s total fisheries production was estimated at 1.1 million tonnes, with aquaculture contributing 28%. The sector employs over 13,600 people, with a majority of them being women.
Nigeria is a net importer of fish products, with imports valued at ₦0.6 billion in 2023. The country has a high demand for fish, and its diverse climate and water bodies offer favourable conditions for aquaculture. However, challenges such as a lack of modern technology, inadequate infrastructure, and disease outbreaks limit the sector’s full potential.
