American Soybean Association Expands Partnership to Strengthen U.S.-Nigeria Commercial Ties in Aquaculture

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria joined the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA WISHH) and SejFarms Consult Limited (SejFarms) at the graduation ceremony for the Next Gen Leaders for Aquaculture Innovation Program.  Through this initiative, 10 young Nigerian leaders in the aquaculture industry, selected through a competitive process, gained firsthand experience in modern fish farming practices including using soybeans in fish feed  through a structured five-month training program.   

U.S. Mission Agricultural Counselor Chris Bielecki noted in his graduation ceremony remarks that agriculture is at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria commercial and investment partnership.  “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 reaffirmed their three-year collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their partnership and advance Nigeria’s fish production.  Managing Director/CEO of SejFarms, Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu, emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, “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.”