In a major step toward transforming Nigeria’s aquaculture sector, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, in partnership with the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA WISHH) and SejFarms Consult Limited, has launched an initiative to promote innovation, capacity building, and sustainable fish farming practices.

As part of the program, 10 young Nigerian aquaculture leaders were competitively selected to undergo a five-month intensive training in modern fish farming techniques. The training emphasized the use of soybeans in fish feed, a key ingredient in improving fish growth, productivity, and the overall sustainability of aquaculture operations.

At the graduation ceremony, Chris Bielecki, Agricultural Counselor at the U.S. Mission, highlighted agriculture’s pivotal role in U.S.-Nigeria relations. He noted that fostering innovation in aquaculture not only strengthens food security but also drives economic stability and youth empowerment across Nigeria.

To further consolidate this effort, ASA WISHH and SejFarms signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their collaboration, ensuring continued technical support, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of high-quality fish feed production.

Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu, CEO of SejFarms, emphasized the MOU’s importance in creating more opportunities for young Nigerians to access practical training in aquaculture. He reiterated that the initiative would accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s fish farming industry and support the production of premium-quality fish feed.

Representatives of the American Soybean Association delegation, including Jamie Beyer, a Minnesota soybean farmer, and Nancy Kavazanjian, a Wisconsin soybean farmer, applauded the partnership, stressing its potential to expand U.S.-Nigeria agricultural trade and strengthen the use of soy-based feed in Nigeria’s aquaculture value chain.

The initiative comes at a time when U.S.-Nigeria agricultural trade is rapidly growing, with volumes valued at $429 million in 2024 and projections to more than double in 2025. This collaboration is expected to reinforce Nigeria’s aquaculture industry, boost fish production, and foster youth-led agribusiness opportunities while deepening commercial ties between both nations.