Ten young graduates just finished an intensive program to revolutionize fish farming in Nigeria, and the U.S. soybean industry is backing them in a big way.
In a move to boost food security and create economic opportunities, a major American agriculture group is doubling down on its investment in Nigeria's youth.
The American Soybean Association (ASA) celebrated the graduation of the first-ever class of its "Next Gen Leaders for Aquaculture Innovation Programme," where ten young Nigerians were trained for five months in modern fish farming with a special focus on using soybean-based feeds to grow healthier fish faster.
But here's the big takeaway: This wasn't just a graduation ceremony. It was the launchpad for a much larger plan. The ASA officially signed a new three-year partnership with a Nigerian firm, SejFarms Consult Limited, to scale up the program and train many more young people.
Why This Matters
Nigeria has a huge demand for fish, but domestic production hasn't always kept up. This program aims to change that by empowering a new generation with the skills to run modern, efficient fish farms.
“This is about more than just farming,” said Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu of SejFarms. “We’re creating new opportunities for young people to build careers in agriculture.”
The U.S. government sees it as a win-win. By helping Nigeria build a stronger agricultural sector, it also strengthens economic ties between the two countries.
"By fostering innovation and promoting best practices, the U.S. soy industry is helping to build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria," said U.S. Agricultural Counsellor Chris Bielecki.
The Bottom Line
The numbers show this partnership is already paying off. Agricultural trade between the U.S. and Nigeria hit $429 million in 2024 and is expected to more than double next year.
For these ten young graduates, it's a chance to be at the forefront of transforming how Nigeria produces its food. For the U.S., it's a strategic investment in a key economic partner.
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