President Bola Tinubu’s administration is making significant strides toward achieving food sovereignty by focusing on agricultural development through public-private partnerships and institutional reforms. The establishment of the ministries of marine and blue economy and livestock development signals a strategic approach to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on food imports.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, during his inspection of Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited’s Tilapia Fish Farm and the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone in Niger State, reiterated the president’s commitment to food security as a national priority.
Idris highlighted the ministry of marine and blue economy’s role in managing over 800 kilometres of coastline and inland waterways, which are ideal for aquaculture. He also emphasized the government’s collaboration with state governments and private investors to scale up agricultural production.
Accompanied by Senator John Owan Enoh, Ambassador Nura Rimi, and a Bank of Industry representative, Idris praised Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited for its focus on Tilapia, a fish species heavily consumed in Nigeria but largely imported. The farm currently produces 1,000 metric tonnes of Tilapia, with plans to increase output to 2,000 metric tonnes by year-end and 5,000 metric tonnes within four years.
At the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, Idris expressed admiration for the ambitious infrastructure project designed to attract investment. Senator Enoh commended the private sector’s role in realizing the administration’s industrialization goals. Dr. Abdulmalik Ndagi, Managing Director of Hydropolis, outlined the zone’s infrastructure plans, including power substations, recreational and sports facilities, an airport, train station, university, and hospitals. He also appealed for a N10 billion intervention facility from the Bank of Industry.
Mr. Sa’adu Baloni, Managing Director of Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to socio-economic development in the host community and beyond.