Nigeria’s new fish hatchery to revolutionize aquaculture, boost food security

NIGERIA – The government of Nigeria has taken a bold step to address its fish production deficit and bolster food security by commissioning an ultra-modern fish hatchery in Calabar, Cross River State. 

The facility, inaugurated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is designed to produce 20 million fingerlings and 12 million juveniles annually. 

Beyond production, it will serve as a vital training and research hub, advancing the country’s aquaculture sector.  

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, hailed the project as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s food security strategy. 

“This gigantic hatchery project will not only enhance our food basket but also serve as a hub for employment and income generation for youth and women in the aquaculture sector,” he stated. 

The initiative is also a testament to the government’s commitment to agro-industrialization, aiming to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.  

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State praised the hatchery’s role in addressing long-standing challenges in fish farming, such as the lack of juvenile fish and high production costs. 

He noted that the hatchery would lower feed costs, boost profitability, and create additional opportunities for local fish farmers.  

The hatchery was jointly funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Cross River State Government, and international partners such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and USAID Feed the Future. 

Dr. Ben Odoemena, Chief of Party for USAID Feed the Future, projected that the hatchery, if managed effectively, could contribute up to N60 billion annually to the state’s economy.  

This project is part of a broader national strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production. 

Nigeria has significant potential to harness its aquatic resources with an 853-kilometre coastline and 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways. 

The recently developed National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, in collaboration with organisations like WorldFish and IFPRI, focuses on sustainable fisheries management and advancing aquaculture practices.  

As Nigeria aims to produce 1.3 million metric tonnes of fish annually to meet local consumption needs, the Calabar fish hatchery stands as a symbol of progress. 

It promises food security and offers a pathway to job creation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

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