The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Aquaculture

  • Young innovators tackle aquaculture crisis

    Young innovators tackle aquaculture crisis

    As the world braces for a looming crisis in aquaculture feed, a group of bright Nigerian students is stepping forward with a solution that could reshape the future of fish farming. Students from Adiaha Obong Secondary Comprehensive School in Akwa Ibom State have captured national attention after winning the Ibom Innovation Challenge with their groundbreaking project, the Remote Fish Farming Monitoring System.

    Their achievement comes against the backdrop of a sobering report by global financial services provider Rabobank, which has raised alarm over the growing shortage of fishmeal and fish oil—two key ingredients critical to the survival of the global aquaculture industry.

    According to the report, titled Hooked on Scarcity, the supply of these marine-based feed ingredients is under severe strain as demand continues to outpace natural production.

    Aquaculture, already one of the fastest-growing food sectors in the world, consumes nearly 90 percent of global fishmeal and about 70 percent of fish oil.

    With production of salmon, shrimp, and other aquaculture staples expected to rise by 12 million metric tonnes by 2033, Rabobank warned that scarcity could begin as early as 2028, threatening both food security and livelihoods worldwide.

    Against this global challenge, the young innovators in Uyo are offering hope. Known as the “Adisco Great Tech Innovators,” the team’s winning project was showcased during the Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024, where it captured the imagination of judges and audiences alike. The Remote Fish Farming Monitoring System is designed to help fish farmers oversee and control their ponds from a distance, using digital tools to track feeding, water quality, and fish health. By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, the system has the potential to make local aquaculture more resilient and sustainable—an innovation with implications far beyond Nigeria.

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    “This project is not just a student experiment. “It is a practical response to a real problem. The new question for the youth is not ‘what do you want to become?’ but ‘what problem do you want to solve?’ These young people have answered that question brilliantly.” said President , Ibom Innovation Network, Engr. Hanson Johnson, the organisation behind the challenge.

    The Ibom Innovation Challenge, which has become a hub for nurturing grassroots technological solutions, rewarded the students with a N250,000 cash prize to further develop their idea. In addition to the financial support, members of the Ibom Innovation Network paid a celebratory visit to the school, recognising the team’s ingenuity and reaffirming the state’s commitment to fostering innovation among young people.

    The Team leader, Mfoniso Patrick described the win as a turning point in her personal and academic journey. “This project has sparked a new interest in the world of technology for me.We started with just an idea, and now we see that it can solve real problems faced by farmers in our community. That is exciting,” she said.

    The Principal Mrs. Theresa Paulinus praised the students for their dedication, calling the achievement a reflection of both their determination and the school’s commitment to nurturing talent. “This victory is a testament to what our young people can achieve when they are encouraged to think critically and work together,” she said.

     Teacher and mentor Effiom Ekpo, who guided the team, added: “We are very proud of them. They have shown that innovation is not limited to big cities or universities—it can come from anywhere, including a secondary school classroom in Akwa Ibom.”

    The breakthrough comes at a time when Nigeria, like many countries, is grappling with how to scale up fish production to meet growing demand. The country is one of the largest aquaculture producers in sub-Saharan Africa, but farmers often face challenges ranging from high feed costs to poor pond management. Observers say the innovation has symbolic value as well. It demonstrates how local ingenuity, when given the right support, can tackle challenges of global scale. While the Rabobank report paints a grim picture of looming shortages, the success of the Adisco team suggests that part of the solution may lie in empowering local communities to innovate.

    The Ibom Innovation Network is already looking ahead, encouraging more students to join the movement. Plans are underway for the next Akwa Ibom Tech Week, scheduled for November 3–8, 2025. Organizers say they expect even greater participation from schools, startups, and young inventors, further cementing the state’s reputation as a hub for technological creativity.

  • Centre seeks more women in fishing, aquaculture

    Centre seeks more women in fishing, aquaculture

    The Centre for Gender Equality (CGE) Africa, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organisation has made a case for women empowerment through opportunities in fishing and aquaculture.

    The Executive Director, CGE, Uchenna Idoko made this appeal on during her opening remarks at the 2024 Gender and the Blue Economy Conference to commemorate the World Oceans Day in Lagos yesterday.

    Speaking on the theme of the event entitled “Expanding the Horizons for Women in Fisheries and Aquaculture,” she stressed the need for stakeholders, especially policy formulators to encourage more women participation in the blue economy.

    According to her, “We want to build women that will own multimillion fishing businesses and not just ₦7million that will fizzle out with just a little challenge. We want to empower women to become millionaires.

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    “We know that women in costal fishing face a lot of challenges due to climate change, and this limit their chances, hence reduces their overall output as they are more vulnerable to climate-related risks and uncertainties.”

    On her part, Ms Mfon Archibong, Assistant Chief Fisheries Officer, Federal Ministry of Blue Economy, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, noted that awareness needs to be created in some coastal communities where women are not allowed to own land.

    Mfon noted that women are not having access to the coastal land, a development, she said was very big setback impeding against women participation in coastal fishing and aquaculture.

    She noted that with the CGE initiative, such communities would be approached on how to secure coastal land for women in fishing activities.

    Also speaking at the occasion, Mrs Chinasa Asonye, CEO, Chinelo Farms, who doubles as the President of Fish Farmers in Lagos, noted that the association procures fish feed in bulk, adding that member are given the feed at a subsidised rate.

  • ‘$296b annual revenue for aquaculture’

    ‘$296b annual revenue for aquaculture’

    The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) estimates that Nigeria’s aquaculture industry could generate $296 billion annually.

    This was disclosed by WAS Director, West African region, Lanre Badmus, yesterday in Lagos.

    WAS is an organisation that promotes aquaculture science, technology, and education. Through its global networks and diverse membership, WAS leads improved international communications, collaboration, and information exchange.

    Badmus commended the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for the establishment of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine, stating that if well utilised, could boost Nigeria’s income generation.

    According to him, the maritime sector presents the potential for sustainable and environmentally friendly resource generation if well-tapped.

    He said: “The untapped potential of Nigeria’s blue economy can be worth 296 billion dollars, significantly boosting the overall GDP of the country.

    “With the brand new ministry for the blue economy, Nigeria can be on the brink of unlocking new opportunities in its aquaculture sector.

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    “With the right goals, objectives, and policy plans of the new ministry, it has the opportunity to ensure food security, job creation, growth, and poverty eradication.

    “Nigeria, with its expansive coastline of 870km and rich marine resources, holds tremendous potential for a thriving blue economy.”

    The region Director emphasised that Nigeria’s aquaculture sector has the potential to generate millions of jobs across various sectors including fishing, tourism, aquaculture, maritime transport, and renewable energy.

    He, therefore, urged the Ministry to explore the potential direct value of Fish Reefs, which he indicated could generate 13.125 million dollars annually.

  • Niger to train 500 youths in Aquaculture

    In a bid to meet the fish consumption demand in the country, the Niger State Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Resources has disclosed that 500 youths would be trained in Aquaculture next year.

    The commissioner, Mallam Haruna Nuhu Dukku disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of 37 youths trained in aquaculture by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the Tagwai Fish Hatchery Institute in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.

    He said the youths would be given starter-packs after the training to enable them start up their own fish business and train other youths.

    According to the commissioner, the current estimate of fish demand in Nigeria is about 2.66 million metric tonnes, lamenting that only 1.1 million metric tonnes are produced locally. He then stressed the need to improve the local production of fish by making use of the facilities within.

    He said the ministry is working towards introducing new technologies to boost livestock and fisheries production in the state and promote intensive fisheries and livestock production and development.

    The Niger State UNDP coordinator, Alhaji Baba Wachiko said the training of the 37 youths was an intensive training for six months, during which the trainees were given hands-on training from fingerlings to table size ready for harvest.

    He said the training was to meant to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state and increase the production of fish in the state. He stated that the commitment of the UNDP in reducing unemployment in the state by creating jobs and wealth and improving the revenue base of the state government is commendable.

    Wachiko said the graduands who were encouraged to form cooperatives and open a bank account, would be given seed money to enable them effectively start-up their fish business. He also expressed optimism that the graduands will train other youths in the business which would go a long way in reducing youth restiveness in the state.

  • Bayelsa establishes aquaculture village

    The Bayelsa State government has said it has established an aquaculture village to accommodate over 500 fish ponds, as part of its plans for economic diversification.

    Governor Seriake Dickson, who spoke while inspecting the project, said the village, situated at Igbogene, on the outskirts of Yenagoa, the capital, would create jobs.

    He said his agricultural policy was targeted at empowering young men and women to boost fish production and wealth creation.

    Dickson urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the government to empower themselves.

    He said the farm was equipped with storage facilities, processing plants, hatchery and other facilities required to make it a success.

    The governor said the project would be replicated in the eight local governments.

    According to him, the process of acquiring land for the project was on in the councils.

    “The fish farm is expected to be self-sustaining, to boost the state’s revenue. We appreciate the efforts of the officials handling the project, particularly the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Doodei Week,” he said.

    Dickson hoped that in the next three months the project would be put to use to complement other efforts in the agricultural sector geared towards food sufficiency.

    Other projects visited were the Bayelsa Bus Terminal and Agro Market at Igbogene.

    In the entourage were the Commissioners for Information and Orientation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite; Lands and Survey, Mr. Kuroakegha Dorgu; Special Projects, Fred Obuah, among others.

  • BoI disburses N123m loan for aquaculture development in Ogun

    BoI disburses N123m loan for aquaculture development in Ogun

    The Bank of Industry has disclosed that its loan portfolio to aquaculture cooperative societies and enterprises in Ogun State has hit N123 million.

    According to the bank, the facility was accessed at a single digit interest rate of seven per cent per annum under the matching fund arrangement that saw the Ogun State Government and the bank creating a pool of N1.0 billion for on-lending to MSMEs in the state.

    In a statement made available by the bank, the bank explained that in pursuance of its mandate of transforming the Industrial sector of Nigeria, evolved the Matching Fund concept in partnership with various State Governments, in order to provide access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the states.

    “The Matching Fund Scheme entails the State Governments providing funds that are matched equally by BOI, in order to increase the quantum of funds available to MSMEs in the states in support of their economic activities geared towards job and wealth creation.

    “Ogun State is one of the 17 states currently collaborating with BOI in the Matching Fund arrangement. The Ogun State Government contributed the sum of N500million which was matched by BOI to create a pool of N1.0 billion for on-lending to MSMEs in Ogun State at a single digit interest rate of 7 per cent per annum.

    “The Matching Fund has been deployed towards funding entrepreneurs engaged in aquaculture, livestock and fish feed milling, cassava flour, garri, bakery, water bottling, textiles (batik/tie and dye), polyethylene products, block making among others,” it added.

    Under the arrangement, the bank stated that a total of N123 million has so far been disbursed to 21 aquaculture cooperative societies and enterprises engaged in the production of cat fish in eight Local Government Areas of Ogun State namely: Abeokuta South, Yewa North, Ijebu North, Ijebu South, Sagamu, Odogbolu, Abigi and Ijebu-Ode.

    It explained that the 21 cooperative societies and enterprises however currently produce 1,890 tonnes of fish, which only meets 2.4 per cent of the estimated demand of 79,000 tonnes of fish per annum in Ogun State, reflecting an indication of the great opportunity that exists for investment in aquaculture in the State, as well as for value addition activities in fish processing for production of smoked fish, fillets, among others.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Bank of Industry, Rasheed Olaoluwa, in assessing the aquaculture development programme, declared that “I am indeed very happy that BoI is creating such a remarkable economic impact in Ogun State, which is evident in the almost 2,000 jobs (500 direct and 1,500 indirect) created under the programme, coupled with the linkages established between the fish farms and off-takers such as restaurants, hotels, food processing companies, as well as with suppliers of fish feeds and other inputs.”

    On his part, the Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bimbola Ashiru said: “it was the widely acknowledged importance of fish as a rich source of dietary protein that prompted the Ogun State Government to collaborate with the Bank of Industry in promoting aquaculture in the State under the Matching Fund Scheme.”

  • FAO sees fisheries, aquaculture grow GDP

    The fisheries and aquaculture sector contribute significantly to Africa’s overall economy, a new study by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has said.

    In a report, the value added by the fisheries sector as a whole – which includes inland and marine capture fisheries, post-harvest, licensing of local fleets and aquaculture – was estimated at more than $24 billion in 2011, representing 1.26 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of all African countries.

    A close look at the figures highlights the key role of marine artisanal fisheries and related processing, as well as inland fisheries which provide one third of the continent’s total catches.

    While aquaculture is still developing in Africa and is mostly concentrated in a few countries, it produces an estimated value of almost $3 billion yearly.

    As data on licence fees paid by foreign fleets were not easily available to the national experts participating in this study, an attempt was also made to estimate the value of fisheries agreements with Distant Water Fishing Nations (DWFNs) fishing in the exclusive economic zones of African states.

    Considering that 25 per cent of all marine catches around Africa are still by non-African countries, if also these catches were caught by African states in theory they could generate an additional value of $3.3 billion, which is eight times higher than the current $0.4 billion African countries earn from fisheries agreements

    All in all, the sector as a whole employs 12.3 million people as full-time fishers or full-time and part-time processors, representing over two per cent of 15-64 year olds in Africa.

  • ‘Aquaculture can reduce poverty’

    ‘Aquaculture can reduce poverty’

    •Group to hold awards

    Fisheries expert, Prof Olajide Ayinla has said more than 50 per cent of Nigeria’s fish could come from aquaculture, making it a crucial method for reducing poverty and combating food insecurity. Aquaculture, involves cultivating fish under controlled conditions as opposed to catching fish in the wild.

    Referred to as the Blue Revolution, aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector in the world. It has significant job-creation potential and, as a key export-orientated sector that could net the country considerable gains.

    Speaking with The Nation in Lagos, Ayinla said given more private sector involvement, the sector could reach a yearly production of two million metric tonnes from its current 250,000 tonnes.

    With stagnating capture fishery production and an increasing population, Ayinla, who is the immediate past Executive Director, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, said aquaculture has the greatest potential to produce more fish in the future to meet the growing demand for safe and quality aquatic food.

    The aquaculture industry, though still in its infancy, has been identified by the government as a key priority sector because of its potential to supplement dwindling wild-caught fish stocks with cultured fish products.

    According to him, aquaculture could play an important role in meeting the nation’s food needs, but it has not grown tremendously because of insufficient level of private sector participation.

    In view of the development, there are marked differences in production levels and types of production.

    Ayinla also a Director of SUFOS Awards for Sustainable Food Security, urged the private sector to invest in aquaculture so that the economy can continue to enjoy its benefits.

    According to him, achieving aquaculture sector’s long-term goal of economic sustainability depends on continued commitments to provide and support a good framework for the sector.

    He said continuing indiscriminate use of antibiotics in aquaculture is a cause for concern, especially as an increasing number of antibiotic-linked health cases among consumers are being reported.

    He emphasised on the rational use of antibiotics among aquaculture farmers.

    He reiterated the need for a drug prescription policy on antibiotics for fish farmers,saying antibiotics are used to promote the growth and weight of livestock.

    Ayinla maintained, however, that antibiotics can help save fishes, adding that it must be used properly.

    The National Director, SUFOS Awards for Sustainable Food Security, Mr Patrick Imo, told reporters that the inaugural award for individuals and organisations by his firm will be announced at a conference and exhibitions on sustainable food security billed for December 11 and 12 at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State.

    He said the awards celebrate the people and organisations in the food industry.