The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to working closely with state governments and the private sector to scale up investments in agriculture and achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
A statement Wednesday by media aide to the Minister Rabiu noted that Idris stated this during an inspection visit to a state-of-the-art Tilapia Fish Farm operated by Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited in New Bussa as well as the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone in Amfani, Magama Local Government Area of Niger state.
Idris described the creation of the Federal Ministries of Marine and Blue Economy and Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as visionary steps aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for private sector participation and reducing the importation of fish and dairy products into the country.
“Since the assumption of office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has taken deliberate steps, including the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which oversees over 800 kilometres of coastline and inland waterways suitable for aquaculture. Coupled with the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development, it is evident that the President recognises food security as key to national sovereignty,” the Minister stated.
He commended the efforts of Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited and the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, stating that their success demonstrates the immense potential of collaboration among the federal government, sub-national entities, and the private sector in advancing Nigeria’s food production goals.
Idris further echoed President Tinubu’s recent commitment in Brazil to dismantle bureaucratic bottlenecks hampering the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He praised Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited for choosing to invest in the hatching and rearing of Tilapia — one of Nigeria’s most consumed fish varieties — which is currently being imported in large quantities.
He said the venture will help reduce fish importation, create direct and indirect jobs, and offer sustainable solutions to youth unemployment.
“We have been informed that current production stands at 1,000 metric tonnes, with plans to double this to 2,000 metric tonnes by the end of the year, and to scale up to 5,000 metric tonnes within four years,” he said.
During a tour of the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, the Minister expressed his admiration for the scope and ambition of the project, urging both local and foreign investors to take advantage of the infrastructure being developed.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, lauded the promoters of the two projects, describing them as aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.