Lagos—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.” 

Jamie Beyer, ASA Director and a Minnesota soybean farmer, expressed appreciation to the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service for its invaluable support in leveraging resources and programs to expand U.S.-Nigeria agricultural trade.  Nancy Kavazanjian, a Wisconsin soybean farmer and member of the ASA WISHH trade delegation to Nigeria, noted that this partnership showcased the potential of U.S. soy to strengthen Nigeria’s aquaculture industry. 

The U.S. Mission is committed to fostering collaboration between U.S. and Nigerian agribusinesses.  With bilateral agricultural trade reaching $429 million in 2024 and on track to more than double this figure in 2025, the United States values Nigeria as a key agricultural trade partner.