The Federal Government ( FG) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art 20 million fish hatchery in Cross River State, Nigeria.
This cutting-edge facility was designed to revolutionize the nation’s aquaculture towards production of five million fish juveniles quarterly saying it would significantly contribute to Nigeria's food security and economic growth of the nation.
Speaking during the launch, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, underscored the facility's importance in advancing food security and promoting job creation, particularly for women and youths as he described the hatchery as a key part of the government's broader vision for agro-industrialization in the country.
Kyari pointed out that the hatchery stands as one of the largest and most modern in West Africa, and is equipped with advanced technologies aimed at improving the quality and quantity of fish production in Nigeria.
The Minister stressed further that " The hatchery's primary objective is to tackle the country's long-standing challenges of fish shortages, limited access to affordable fish, and the high cost of production faced by local farmers.
“This facility exemplifies our commitment to innovation and sustainable development in the aquaculture sector. It will not only boost fish production but also provide job opportunities and enhance the livelihoods of local fish farmers"
Describing the facility, Sen. Kyari said that" It includes a fully equipped laboratory and a training center where fish farmers can access cutting-edge information on fish breeding, feed production, water quality management, and disease control. This project is not just about producing fish, it is about providing the knowledge and resources that will empower fish farmers to be more productive and profitable"
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, expressed gratitude to the FG and international partners, particularly USAID, for their support in realizing the hatchery project.
Ebokpo highlighted the facility’s potential to transform the state’s aquaculture sector, create jobs, and boost local economies.
“This facility will address the fundamental challenges faced by fish farmers in our state and beyond. It will provide access to high-quality fish stock, lower production costs, and offer crucial technical training to our farmers,” said Ebokpo.
Ebokpo further acknowledged the significant contributions of USAID’s feed the future program, which played a crucial role in the development of the hatchery.
The hatchery according to him is expected to generate over N1.6 billion annually with much bigger amount in the nearest future.
The National Project Coordinator, LIFE ND, Mr. Abiodun Sanni emphasized the hatchery's role in empowering the youth of the Niger Delta region saying that “This facility is a beacon of progress. It’s not only about increasing fish supply, but it’s also about providing opportunities for young people to engage in sustainable agriculture and become leaders in the aquaculture industry"
Beneficiaries are speaking well of the positive impact of the hatchery, among were Miss. Stella Ayuforo, who shared how the project transformed her life, enabling her to become an incubator of fish farming adding she has been able to train other youths like her with best farming techniques thereby creating job opportunities.
“The program has empowered me to become an incubator who trains others and earns a living from fish farming. It has given me the chance to pass on my knowledge to the younger generation, especially women and youth, who are often left behind in rural communities" Ayuforo said.
Dr. Ben Odoemena, Chief of Party, USAID- Feed the Future Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services, stated that the hatchery’s annual production of 20 million juveniles is expected to inject approximately N1.6 billion into Cross River’s economy thereby calling on other states to replicate the model for economic gains.
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