By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – IN the quest to boost food production, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, has commissioned Nigeria’s first model fish hatchery complex in Calabar, Cross River State.

This groundbreaking move to advance aquaculture and empower youth, was by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for the Niger Delta, LIFE-ND, and the USAID Feed the Future.

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.

Meanwhile, the Minister underscored the importance of the facility in advancing the country’s agricultural innovation agenda, and also how it aligns with the Tinubu-led administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda.

He also expressed optimism 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.

He maintained that the use of technology and innovation remain the catalyst to drive job creation, youth empowerment, and economic growth.

The National Project Coordinator for FGN/NDDC IFAD assisted LIFE-ND Project and the Chief of party, USAID Feed the Future, Engr Sanni Abiodun, and Dr Ben Odemena, respectively 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.

Therefore, they called for greater collaboration between all stakeholders to maximize the impact of the project.

The Cross River State Project Coordinator for FGN/NDDC/ IFAD/ assisted LIFE-ND Project, Innocent Moses Ogbin, 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.

However, Ogbin appealed for the replication to other states in the Niger Delta, and added that in this way it will reinforce the government’s commitment to improving the region’s economic prospects through agricultural development.