By Bunmi Yekini
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s aquaculture industry, graduating 10 young Nigerian innovators from the Next Gen Leaders for Aquaculture Innovation Program in Abuja.
The program, a collaboration between the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA WISHH) and SejFarms Consult Limited, provided five months of hands-on training in modern fish farming practices, including the use of soybeans in fish feed.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, U.S. Mission Agricultural Counselor Chris Bielecki said the initiative highlights the role of agriculture in U.S.-Nigeria trade relations.
“By fostering innovation and promoting best practices, the U.S. soy industry is helping to build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability,” he said.
To consolidate the progress, ASA WISHH and SejFarms signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their partnership in advancing Nigeria’s fish production.
Managing Director/CEO of SejFarms, Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu, described the agreement as a milestone for the sector.
“This MOU with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health demonstrates that we are strengthening our commitment to encourage the growth of Nigerian aquaculture and create new opportunities for young people to be trained in aquaculture, including high-quality feeds,” he said.
Members of the ASA WISHH trade delegation to Nigeria also stressed the significance of U.S. soybeans in driving innovation. Jamie Beyer, ASA Director and Minnesota soybean farmer, expressed appreciation for the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service’s support in expanding agricultural trade, while Nancy Kavazanjian, a Wisconsin soybean farmer, noted that the partnership underscored the potential of U.S. soy to transform Nigeria’s aquaculture industry.
The U.S. Mission emphasized that agricultural trade remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations, noting that U.S.-Nigeria agricultural trade reached $429 million in 2024 and is projected to more than double in 2025.