Agriculture
FAO launches initiative to boost catfish production, value chain
By Matthew Eloyi
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) claims that its FISH4ACP initiative in Nigeria will enhance catfish production and the African catfish value chain, which is worth $625 million.
FISH4ACP is “an initiative of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) aimed at ensuring the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in order to contribute to food and nutrition security, economic prosperity, and job creation.”
This was said by FAO Representative in Nigeria Fred Kafeero during the FISH4ACP Catfish Value Chain Analysis Validation Workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, fisheries production in African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries increased from 4.6 million tons in 1990 to 8.5 million tons in 2016, while aquaculture production increased from 50, 000 tons to 790,000 tons during the same time period.
The Country Representative, who was represented by Dr. Abubakar Suleiman, stated that the project in Nigeria would focus on promoting small-scale fish producers and creating various jobs.
According to Kafeero, Nigeria’s aquaculture production expanded from 22,000 tons to over 300,000 tons in 2017, accounting for less than 10% of worldwide fish commerce.
In his words, “The project focuses on catfish and for this, the inception phase of the project commenced with a comprehensive analysis of the catfish value chain.
“This is very important not only in generating evidence but also in designing and upgrading strategy that will aligned to the strategic objectives of the project.
“FISH4ACP will pay special attention to small and medium-sized businesses, because of their potential to deliver economic and social benefits, particularly for women and youth.”
He voiced concern, however, that rising strain on ecosystems and the effects of climate change have hampered the sector’s contribution to economic growth, food security, and nutritional security.
Ime Umoh, Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Fishery Department, also spoke, saying that the government has made significant investments in the country’s Fishery sector.
Machinery has also been put in place to help the FAO’s fishery initiative succeed, according to Umoh.
According to reports, that FISH4ACP is a five-year initiative currently implemented by FAO to address gaps and contribute to food and nutrition security, economic prosperity and job creation.
Its purpose is to ensure the long-term economic, social, and environmental viability of ACP fisheries and aquaculture value chains.
The European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development are funding the project (BMZ).
The intervention aims to boost the productivity and competitiveness of 12 fisheries and aquaculture value chains in ten OACPS member countries, while also ensuring that economic gains are accompanied by environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
The Borno Government has announced the creation of Ministry of Livestock and Fishery Development to align its
Development strategy with Federal Government initiatives, and boost the state’s economic potential.
Gov. Babagana Zulum made the announcement on Tuesday during the swearing in of two commissioners at the council chambers of the Government House.
Zulum underscored the importance of livestock and fisheries as vital sectors with untapped revenue potential.
He emphasised that the new ministry would focus on high-yield livestock breeds, milk production and fisheries, targeting both domestic consumption and export opportunities.
The governor said that “no state government can make substantial money in livestock alone, but we believe with the right investment and political will, the sector can generate significant revenue.”
He said that the growing demand for milk by yogurt companies and the proximity of Maiduguri to Asian and Arab markets, are great opportunities for dairy exportation.
The governor, therefore, assigned the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur, to oversee the activities of the new ministry, citing his practical experience and passion for livestock development.
He said “livestock development is not just about academic qualifications, it is about practice and the deputy governor has demonstrated capability in that regard.”
According to him, the ministry will prioritise procuring high-yielding livestock varieties, enhancing milk production and creating sustainable rural projects to support
Local communities.
He said that projects in Mafa, Gajiram and in Southern Borno will soon be launched under the new ministry’s purview.
The governor urged civil servants and ministry personnel to take ownership of the new initiative, adding that the ministry’s success would contribute to the states
Long-term economic stability and self-reliance.
The Port Harcourt Refinery, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) through the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC) has commenced operations after undergoing rehabilitation and modernisation.
The refinery with 210,000 bpd refining capacity located at Alesa, Eleme, in Port Harcourt, comprises two operational units which were established in 1965 and 1989.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the old plant refines a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd), while the new plant refines 150,000 bpd.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government, under former President, Muhammadu Buhari, had in March 2021 secured a 1.5 billion dollars loan to rehabilitate the facility which contract was awarded to an Italian firm, Tecnimont S.P.A, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont Group.
NAN) reports that Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd. is leading the team to inspect the first lifting of petroleum product from the facility after its rehabilitation.
Alia appoints head of agric company, others
Gov. Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Benue State Agricultural Development Company (ADC).
The governor also approved the appointment of Dr Aondoakaa Asambe as Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Livestock Development and Animal Transboundary Disease Control.
The appointments were announced in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Friday.
According to the statement, the governor also appointed Mr Abraham Agogo as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Community Mobilisation.
The statement added that the appointments take immediate effect.
It said that Akule brings over 15 years of experience in agricultural systems, community development, research and development, and food processing.
He holds a B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, and is a Certified Fellow in Agricultural Systems Development under USAID and Lagos Business School.
Meanwhile, Asambe, a member of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association and a registered veterinary surgeon with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, has been a lecturer at Federal University, Dutsima, for the past 12 years.
He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi).
He also holds a postgraduate degree in Food Animal Medicine at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
OISD Empowers Teachers with Digital Literacy and AI Skills to Revolutionize Education in Nigeria
Commission, journalists partner to revamp water sector in Kaduna
2 ladies docked for allegedly obtaining money by fraud
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Business3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Technology3 months agoZero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment2 years agoPhyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Business7 months agoNigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Business9 months agoWe generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines6 months agoPhilippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet
