The Nigerian government on Thursday launched an ultra modern fish hatchery in Calabar.
The facility, which has the capacity to produce 20 million fingerlings every year, the government says will reposition the aquaculture subsector for revenue generation.
Read also: Nigerian govt secures $134m loan from AfDB to boost crop production
Commissioning the facility, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, said the project is a testament of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to translate the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible actions.
He pointed out that, “this gigantic hatchery project, apart from adding to the food security basket, will also serve as a hub for employment and income generation to our youth and women in the aquaculture sub-sector.”
According to him, the facility has the capacity to produce 20 million fingerlings and 12 million juveniles per year and would also serve as a training and research center which is visibly aligning with the strategic objectives of the food security agenda of our dear nation.
He further stated that, “our commitment to agro-industrialization is evident in our strong support for establishing this facility of excellence for Fishery and Aquaculture aimed at enhancing collaboration between the government and the private sector to drive development in the sub-sector”.
He, therefore, expressed delight to be associated with the facility and congratulated the FGN/IFAD LIFE-ND project and USAID feed the future.
In his remarks, Chief of Party, USAID Feed the Future Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Activity, Dr. Ben Odoemena stated that the organization would continue to provide technical support for the Aquaculture sub-sector in line with the Present Administration’s policy direction in the agriculture sector.
In attendance were critical stakeholders, International Development Partners, IFAD LIFE-ND, USAID, State Commissioners of Agriculture , and States Permanent Secretaries, amongst others.
The highlight of the event was the commissioning / inspecting of the Fish Hatchery facility.
