Nigeria and Spain Deepen Aquaculture Partnership
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and a Spanish Corporation have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening existing collaboration in the aquaculture sector, particularly focusing on women empowerment and youth development programs.
This significant development was announced in an official press release dated November 19, 2025, and signed by Khadijat Ameen, Head of Public Relations at ARCN.
Strategic Visit and Women Empowerment Focus
During a recent visit to ARCN headquarters in Abuja, the Spanish delegation leader, Beatrice, outlined the purpose of their mission. She emphasized that the visit aimed to inform the council about their ongoing collaboration with the Regional Center of Excellence in Aquaculture, which is domiciled within ARCN, specifically targeting women empowerment initiatives.
The Executive Secretary of ARCN, along with management staff and members of the Regional Center of Excellence, warmly received the Spanish delegation at the council's Abuja headquarters. Both parties expressed mutual appreciation for the continued partnership and discussed ways to enhance cooperation.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Dr. Aliyu Shuaibu Madugu, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at ARCN, provided the Spanish Corporation with a comprehensive overview of programs that have significantly benefited Nigeria's agricultural sector through ARCN's Agricultural Research and Development initiatives.
Dr. Madugu highlighted how these programs have directly contributed to Nigeria's food sustainability initiative, demonstrating the tangible impact of research and development in the agricultural sector.
Dr. Charity Obetta, Coordinator of the Regional Center of Excellence in Aquaculture, expressed profound gratitude for the collaboration, noting that it comes at a crucial time when many Nigerian youth and women need such interventions.
She reiterated that the center plays a vital role in strengthening the aquaculture value chain by empowering youth and women across various segments, including fish seed production, table fish production, processing, trade, and feed production.
This enhanced partnership represents a significant step forward in Nigeria's aquaculture development, promising to create more opportunities for women and youth while contributing to the nation's food security objectives through improved fish production and processing capabilities.
