The United States Mission in Nigeria has formalized collaboration with the American Soybean Association and SejFarms Consult Limited to enhance commercial ties in aquaculture, marking significant progress in bilateral agricultural trade relationships.
The partnership was solidified during graduation ceremonies for the Next Gen Leaders for Aquaculture Innovation Programme, where 10 young Nigerian aquaculture leaders completed a comprehensive five-month training initiative in modern fish farming practices, including soybean utilization in fish feed production.
“Agriculture represents the heart of U.S.-Nigeria commercial and investment partnership,” stated U.S. Mission Agricultural Counselor Chris Bielecki during graduation remarks. “By fostering innovation and promoting best practices, the U.S. soy industry helps build resilient agricultural sectors in Nigeria.”
The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health and SejFarms reaffirmed their collaboration through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to expand partnership initiatives and advance Nigeria’s fish production capabilities. The agreement demonstrates sustained commitment to aquaculture sector development.
“This MOU with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health strengthens our commitment to Nigerian aquaculture growth and creates training opportunities for young people in aquaculture, including high-quality feed production,” explained Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu, Managing Director of SejFarms.
The program participants gained firsthand experience in modern aquaculture techniques through structured training designed to build industry capacity and promote sustainable fish farming practices. The initiative emphasizes knowledge transfer and technology adoption for enhanced productivity.
Jamie Beyer, American Soybean Association Director and Minnesota farmer, expressed appreciation for U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service support in leveraging resources and programs to expand agricultural trade between both nations. The collaboration demonstrates effective public-private partnership models.
Bilateral agricultural trade reached $429 million in 2024 and is projected to more than double in 2025, highlighting Nigeria’s importance as a key agricultural trade partner for the United States. The aquaculture partnership contributes to this expanding commercial relationship.
Nancy Kavazanjian, Wisconsin soybean farmer and trade delegation member, noted the partnership’s demonstration of U.S. soy potential in strengthening Nigeria’s aquaculture industry through improved feed quality and production efficiency.
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