News in brief:
– 40 Ogun fish farmers will receive between ₦2.5 million and ₦5 million each under FAO’s ₦200 million aquaculture project.
– The initiative aims to reduce Nigeria’s fish import deficit and improve access to finance for local farmers.
No fewer than 40 fish farmers in Ogun State will benefit from a ₦200 million support fund provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) under a new pilot initiative to boost aquaculture in Nigeria.
The support is part of the “Scaling Fish Farming through Finance” project launched at the Eriwe Fish Farming Cluster in Odogbolu Local Government Area. Each farmer is expected to receive between ₦2.5 million and ₦5 million to expand their business and increase fish production capacity.
Addressing Nigeria’s fish production deficit
Speaking at the launch, FAO’s Representative in Nigeria and West Africa, Mr. Koffy Kouacou, explained that the project is designed to help close Nigeria’s fish supply gap.
According to him, Nigeria needs about 3.2 million metric tonnes of fish annually, but currently produces only 1.2 million metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of 2 million metric tonnes.
“To bridge this gap, we have to support fish farming in Nigeria,” Kouacou said. “Our mandate at FAO is to support the government in overcoming this challenge and achieving zero hunger.”
He added that the project is funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with development partners, including GIZ, the Federal Government, and the Ogun State Government.
Call for more financial partnerships
Kouacou emphasised that the initiative is a pilot scheme and called on more financial institutions to join the effort.
“We are starting with 40 farmers, and each will receive between ₦2.5 million and ₦5 million. In total, we are providing ₦200 million,” he said. “But this is just the beginning. More partnerships are needed if we are to end fish importation and strengthen local production.”
He also highlighted Africa’s potential to become a global food basket, citing its vast land resources, human capital, and favourable weather conditions.
Nigeria receives the largest share of the EU grant
Also speaking at the event, Hugh Briggs, Programme Manager for Agriculture at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, disclosed that the FISH4ACP project is currently being implemented in 12 countries. However, Nigeria is receiving the largest share of the €5 million grant.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds effectively to generate employment and expand the aquaculture value chain.
Feed prices and access to finance are still major hurdles
Representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Paul Apuma (on behalf of Director Mr. Wellinton Omorogbon), acknowledged that skyrocketing feed prices and limited access to finance remain major obstacles for fish farmers.
He commended the FAO, EU, and other partners for their intervention and stressed the importance of such collaborations in scaling up local fish production.
State, community leaders laud initiative
Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, represented by Director of Fisheries, Mrs. Victoria Ojelade, praised the initiative and appealed for similar support to be extended to other fish farming clusters in the state.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction, Mr. Olu Okuboyejo, also commended the development partners, assuring that the beneficiaries would make good use of the funds to boost fish production.
