The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has commissioned an ultra-modern fish hatchery facility in Calabar, Cross River State. This state-of-the-art facility has the capacity to produce over 20 million juveniles annually, with 5 million produced every quarter. It also features a fully functional laboratory, classrooms for lectures, and serves as a research center.
The facility was made possible through funding from the Federal Government, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project for the Niger Delta. Other contributors include the Cross River State government, the United States Agency for International Development Feed the Future Project, and various private sector collaborators.
According to Kyari, this hatchery will not only enhance food security but also provide employment and income opportunities for youths and women in the aquaculture subsector. He emphasized that the South-South region, being Nigeria’s oil and fishery hub, will greatly benefit from this facility, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda focuses on advancing Nigeria’s agri-food system through technology and innovation for job creation, youth empowerment, and poverty reduction.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Commissioner Johnson Ebokpo, expressed hope that the facility will address the challenges of fish unavailability and inaccessibility, thereby boosting fish farming. He appreciated the minister for creating a conducive environment for interventions from foreign organizations.
Key Benefits of the Facility:
- Job Creation: Expected to create jobs and wealth in the Niger Delta and Nigeria
- Food Security: Will enhance food security in the region
- Economic Boost: Estimated to inject N1.6 billion into Cross River’s economy annually, potentially reaching N60 billion if properly maintained
- Aquaculture Revolution: Set to revolutionize aquaculture in Cross River
The National Project Coordinator, LIFE ND, Abiodun Sanni, noted that the project has surpassed its initial target of 25,500 beneficiaries, reaching 26,470 in six participating states. The Chief of Party, USAID Feed the Future Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services, Dr. Ben Odoemena, highlighted the facility’s potential economic impact.
