The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA WISHH) has partnered with SejFarms Consult Limited in Nigeria to enhance commercial relations in aquaculture between the U.S. and Nigeria. This agreement was announced in a statement from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria’s Lagos Consulate on Friday. The announcement coincided with a graduation ceremony for participants of the Next Gen Leaders for Aquaculture Innovation Programme, where 10 young Nigerian leaders received extensive training in modern fish farming techniques, including the incorporation of soybeans in fish feed, over a five-month period. Chris Bielecki, the Agricultural Counsellor for the U.S. Mission, highlighted during the ceremony that agriculture is a crucial element of the U.S.-Nigeria commercial partnership, stating, “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.” ASA WISHH and SejFarms also confirmed their three-year partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing fish production in Nigeria. Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu, Managing Director/CEO of SejFarms, stressed the significance of the agreement, indicating that it helps to reinforce their dedication to fostering the growth of Nigerian aquaculture and providing training opportunities for youth in the sector, particularly in the area of high-quality feeds. Jamie Beyer, the ASA Director and a soybean farmer from Minnesota, thanked the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service for its significant assistance in utilizing resources and programs to enhance agricultural trade between the U.S. and Nigeria. Nancy Kavazanjian, a soybean farmer from Wisconsin and participant in the ASA WISHH trade delegation to Nigeria, highlighted that this collaboration demonstrated the capabilities of U.S. soy to enhance Nigeria’s aquaculture sector. The U.S. Mission is dedicated to promoting cooperation between agribusinesses in the U.S. and Nigeria. In 2024, bilateral agricultural trade between the United States and Nigeria amounted to $429 million and is projected to exceed that amount by more than twofold in 2025, highlighting Nigeria’s importance as a significant agricultural trade ally for the U.S.
