In a groundbreaking move to advance aquaculture and empower youth, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), the USAID Feed the Future, has officially commissioned Nigeria’s first model fish hatchery complex in Calabar, Cross River State.
In his welcome address, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo Jr. stated that the hatchery is designed to address critical issues facing the region’s aquaculture industry, particularly unemployment and limited youth engagement in agriculture. He noted that “with the capacity to produce up to 20 million juvenile fish seeds annually, the complex is poised to revolutionize fish farming in the region. It will also serve as a hub for training, research, and development, helping to align with Nigeria’s food security goals”.
While commissioning the facility, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the importance of the facility in advancing the country’s agricultural innovation agenda. He underscored how this aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes on the use of technology and innovation to drive job creation, youth empowerment, and economic growth. The Minister further stated that, the hatchery would help reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported fish by enhancing local fish production and creating new economic opportunities, especially in rural communities.
Engr (Dr.) Sanni Abiodun, the National Project Coordinator for FGN/NDDC IFAD assisted LIFE-ND Project and the Chief of party, USAID Feed the Future, Dr. Ben Odemena expressed excitement at the success of the project, noting its potential for wealth creation and enhanced livelihoods capacity of local farmer particularly , youths in Cross River State. They called for greater collaboration between all stakeholders to maximize the impact of the project.
Mr. Innocent Moses Ogbin, Cross River State Project Coordinator for FGN/NDDC/ IFAD/ assisted LIFE-ND Project, emphasized the state government’s strong support for the project, which he said has not only created jobs but also empower the youth, making them self-sufficient. He further appeals for replication to other states in the Niger Delta. Noting, that in this way it shall reinforced the government’s commitment to improving the Region’s economic prospects through agricultural development.
The hatchery complex, which comprises of fries, fingerlings, juvenile, brood stock and juvenile counting machine facilities also, has state-of-the-art laboratory and facilities for research and
training. The proximity of the facility shall significantly reduce production costs for fish farmers, provide reliable and affordable fish seeds, thereby reducing long-distance transport costs and waiting times. The provision of high-quality fish juveniles, farmers are expected to experience reduced mortality rates and improved profitability.
As the project unfolds, the foundation for job creation opportunities, skills development, and contribution to enhanced food security across the region has been catalysed. The success of this initiative reflects the growing role of innovation in driving agricultural transformation in Nigeria.