FAO and EU Launch ₦200 Million Aquaculture Support for 40 Ogun Fish Farmers

In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s aquaculture sector, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Federal Government, has initiated a ₦200 million support program targeting 40 fish farmers in Ogun State. This initiative, launched under the Scaling Fish Farming Fund Project, aims to enhance fish production and ensure sustainable livelihoods for local farmers.

The selected beneficiaries, operating within the Eriwe Fish Cluster in Odogbolu Local Government Area, will receive grants ranging from ₦2.5 million to ₦5 million each. These funds are intended to upscale their fish farming operations, thereby contributing to meeting Nigeria’s annual fish demand, which exceeds 3 million tonnes.

Mr. Koffy Kouacou, FAO’s Representative in Nigeria, emphasized the project’s goal of providing adequate funding to fish farmers to boost production. He highlighted the collaborative effort involving the EU, GIZ, and other development partners to ensure the project’s success.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Paul Opuama noted that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower fish farmers and promote sustainable aquaculture practices across the country.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, represented by Princess Victoria Ojelade, Director of Fisheries, expressed gratitude for the intervention. He called for the expansion of such support to other fish clusters within the state to further enhance food security and economic development.

This initiative aligns with Ogun State’s ongoing efforts to support its agricultural sector. Recently, farmers in Yewa North Local Government Area received 11,000 free cash crop seedlings, including cashew, cocoa, and palm, as part of the state’s commitment to boosting food production for local consumption and export.

With over 200,000 registered farmers actively engaged in diverse food crop production, Ogun State continues to position itself as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. The state’s proactive measures, including significant investments in farmer support and training, have contributed to its reputation for having one of the country’s lowest food inflation rates.

The FAO-EU collaboration marks a significant step towards achieving sustainable aquaculture and food security in Nigeria, setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions.