Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to food sufficiency and national sovereignty through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). He emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of food security as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national independence and economic revival. During an inspection tour of Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited’s Tilapia Fish Farm in New Bussa and the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone in Amfani, Niger State, the Minister hailed the projects as examples of successful collaboration among the federal government, sub-national actors, and private sector investors.
“With the creation of the Ministries of Marine and Blue Economy and Livestock Development, President Tinubu has taken visionary steps to regulate and expand private sector participation while reducing import dependency,” Idris stated.
Key Highlights:
- 800km+ coastline and inland waterways now overseen by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to drive aquaculture.
- Tilapia farming by Kainji Aquaculture targets a rise from 1,000 to 5,000 metric tonnes in four years to reduce fish imports and generate jobs.
- Hydropolis Free Trade Zone already boasts N30 billion investment, with requests for a ₦10 billion intervention fund from the Bank of Industry.
The Minister lauded Kainji Aquaculture’s tilapia venture for addressing youth unemployment and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish, one of the country’s most consumed varieties.
Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, praised the two projects for aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the role of private capital in driving Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
The Managing Director of the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone, Dr. Abdulmalik Ndagi, revealed ambitious infrastructure plans—including power stations, a racetrack, polo field, golf course, airport, university, and world-class hospitals—to attract both local and foreign investors.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sa’adu Baloni, MD of Kainji Aquaculture Resources Limited, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enhancing economic inclusion in the host community and contributing to national growth.
In closing, Minister Idris reiterated Tinubu’s recent international pledge to dismantle bureaucratic barriers hindering agricultural growth and urged investors to seize emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s aquaculture and free trade zones.
