FG PARTNERS USDA TO STRENGTHEN NIGERIA’S FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE VALUE CHAIN

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food for Progress Programme to strengthen Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture value chain.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, made this known in Abuja while receiving a delegation from Partners of the Americas, the implementing partner for the USDA programme in Nigeria.  

Mahmood said the ministry would provide the necessary policy guidance, institutional support and coordination to ensure effective implementation of the programme. She noted that developing fisheries and aquaculture is critical to improving food security, creating jobs, reducing poverty and unlocking Nigeria’s blue-economy potential.  

The programme will focus on improving access to quality inputs and finance, strengthening market systems, boosting productivity, building resilience and increasing private-sector participation across the fisheries and aquaculture value chain.

Partners of the Americas also disclosed that baseline studies are underway to identify gaps and guide targeted interventions that will deliver measurable benefits to Nigerian fishers, fish farmers, processors, marketers and other stakeholders.

The Federal Government said it would continue working with the USDA and other development partners to ensure the initiative complements existing national programmes and contributes to sustainable growth, increased domestic fish production and improved access to nutritious protein for Nigerians.