In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s food security, the federal government is intensifying efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
During an inspection visit to the state-of-the-art Tilapia Fish Farm operated by Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited in New Bussa, Niger State, and the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone in Amfani, the minister highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s recognition of food security as a cornerstone of national sovereignty. “Since the assumption of office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has taken deliberate steps, including the establishment of the ministry of marine and blue economy, which oversees over 800 kilometres of coastline and inland waterways suitable for aquaculture,” Idris said.
Okay.ng reports that the minister emphasized the federal government’s commitment to collaborating with state governments and the private sector to scale up investments in agriculture. The creation of the ministries of marine and blue economy and livestock development are seen as visionary steps to strengthen regulatory frameworks and reduce import dependency on fish and dairy products.
Idris was accompanied by the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi; and a representative from the Bank of Industry, Ugochukwu Akagaogu, during the visit.
The minister praised Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited’s focus on Tilapia, a highly consumed fish in Nigeria, noting that “current production stands at 1,000 metric tonnes, with plans to double this to 2,000 metric tonnes by the end of the year, and to scale up to 5,000 metric tonnes within four years.” This initiative is expected to reduce fish imports, generate employment, and tackle youth unemployment sustainably.
At the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, Idris expressed admiration for the ambitious infrastructure project designed to attract local and foreign investors. Senator Enoh commended the private sector’s role in realizing President Tinubu’s industrialization goals, while Dr. Abdulmalik Ndagi, Managing Director of Hydropolis, detailed the extensive facilities under development, including power substations, recreational amenities, and a university.
Dr. Ndagi also revealed that N30 billion has already been invested in the Free Trade Zone and appealed for a N10 billion intervention fund from the Bank of Industry to accelerate progress.
Mr. Sa’adu Baloni, Managing Director of Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited, reiterated the company’s commitment to boosting the socio-economic welfare of the host community and the nation.
