The American Soybean Association (ASA), through its World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), has reinforced its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aquaculture sector by expanding its partnership with SejFarms Consult Limited (SejFarms).

The announcement came during the graduation ceremony of the Next Gen Leaders for Aquaculture Innovation Programme, where 10 young Nigerians completed a five-month training in modern fish farming techniques, including the use of soybean-based feeds.

Addressing attendees, U.S. Mission Agricultural Counsellor Chris Bielecki highlighted the broader significance of the programme.

“By fostering innovation and promoting best practices, the U.S. soy industry is helping to build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability,” he said, underlining agriculture’s central role in U.S.-Nigeria commercial and investment ties.

The two organisations formalised their three-year collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed at boosting Nigeria’s fish production and providing expanded opportunities for youth training in aquaculture.

SejFarms Managing Director Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu stressed, “This MOU with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health demonstrates that we are strengthening our commitment to encourage the growth of Nigerian aquaculture and create new opportunities for young people to be trained in aquaculture, including high-quality feeds.”

Jamie Beyer, ASA Director and Minnesota soybean farmer, expressed gratitude to the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service for supporting the partnership and enabling expanded U.S.-Nigeria agricultural trade.

Nancy Kavazanjian, a Wisconsin soybean farmer and ASA WISHH trade delegate to Nigeria, noted that the initiative highlighted the potential of U.S. soy to strengthen Nigeria’s aquaculture industry.

According to the U.S. Mission, bilateral agricultural trade between the two countries reached $429 million in 2024 and is projected to more than double in 2025, reflecting Nigeria’s growing role as a key U.S. agricultural trade partner.

The initiative underscores ongoing efforts to foster collaboration between U.S. and Nigerian agribusinesses while enhancing the skill set of emerging leaders in Nigeria’s aquaculture sector.