Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that the federal government is working closely with both state authorities and private sector partners to scale up investments in agriculture with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency in food production.
Idris made this announcement during an inspection of a cutting-edge Tilapia Fish Farm operated by Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited in New Bussa, Niger State, as well as a visit to the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone in Amfani, Magama Local Government Area.
The minister, joined by Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, commended the creation of the Federal Ministries of Marine and Blue Economy and Livestock Development.
He noted that these initiatives will strengthen the country’s regulatory framework, promote private sector involvement, and ultimately help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on fish and dairy imports.
Idris emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made deliberate efforts to prioritize food security as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He noted that the newly established Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy oversees the country’s expansive coastline and inland waterways, which offer significant potential for aquaculture development.
Similarly, the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development is seen as a critical move to address the country’s long-term food production needs.
The minister also praised the achievements of Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited and the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, describing them as exemplary models of collaboration between the government, state entities, and the private sector.
He stressed that such partnerships are essential for advancing Nigeria’s goals of increasing food production and reducing import dependence.
Idris highlighted that Kainji Aquaculture’s focus on Tilapia farming, a popular fish consumed in Nigeria, is particularly significant given the large quantities of Tilapia currently imported into the country.
The farm, which currently produces 1,000 metric tonnes of Tilapia annually, plans to double its output to 2,000 metric tonnes by the end of the year and ultimately scale up to 5,000 metric tonnes within four years.
This expansion, according to the minister, will help cut down on fish imports, create jobs, and offer sustainable solutions to youth unemployment.
In his remarks, Senator John Owan Enoh also praised the initiatives, noting that they align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that increasing local production would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports and conserve valuable foreign exchange.
Dr. Abdulmalik Ndagi, Managing Director of the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, provided further details on the development of the zone, which has already attracted an investment of N30 billion.
The zone is designed to offer a range of industrial, residential, and commercial infrastructure to attract and retain investors.
According to him, among the facilities under development are power substations, recreational areas, a golf course, polo field, racetrack, airport, train station, a university and world-class hospitals.
