FG, US Team Up to Boost Nigeria’s Fish Production, Aquaculture Business

The Federal Government has partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector as part of efforts to improve food security, create jobs and expand opportunities across the aquatic value chain.

The partnership was discussed when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, received a delegation from Partners of the Americas, the implementing organisation for the USDA Food for Progress Programme in Nigeria, in Abuja.

Mahmood reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the programme, describing it as an important intervention that could help unlock the potential of Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture industry.

Focus on fish production and livelihoods

According to the ministry, strengthening fisheries and aquaculture is critical to Nigeria’s food security because the sector has the potential to increase domestic fish production while improving the livelihoods of millions of people involved in fishing, fish farming, processing and marketing.

Mahmood assured the delegation that the ministry would provide the necessary policy guidance, institutional support and coordination to ensure the programme is effectively implemented.

She also said the Federal Government would work with Partners of the Americas and other development partners to ensure the initiative complements existing government programmes and produces measurable benefits for people across the sector.

What the USDA programme will target

Gustavo Galdo, who led the Partners of the Americas delegation, outlined the objectives of the USDA Food for Progress Programme and its proposed interventions in Nigeria.

The programme is expected to focus on improving productivity, strengthening resilience and promoting sustainable growth within the fisheries and aquaculture industry.

Key areas identified include:

Improved access to quality inputs
Better access to financing
Stronger market systems
Increased productivity
Greater private-sector participation
Improved livelihoods for fishers and aquaculture operators

Galdo said the programme would also help expand access to protein and contribute to the development of more resilient food systems.

Baseline studies underway

The implementing organisation has begun baseline studies to identify the major challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The findings are expected to guide the programme’s interventions and ensure resources are directed towards areas with the greatest potential impact.

Galdo also sought continued cooperation from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to keep the programme aligned with Nigeria’s national development priorities.

Tackling challenges across the value chain

The meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss some of the major obstacles facing the industry, including limited access to finance, productivity gaps, difficulties accessing markets and policy challenges.

The Federal Government said closer collaboration with development partners would be important in addressing these challenges and making Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture industry more competitive.

If successfully implemented, the partnership could help increase domestic fish production, strengthen the livelihoods of people working across the sector and contribute to Nigeria’s wider food security and blue economy ambitions.