Nigeria’s aquaculture sector could soon see more young faces as the Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (LASCAFAN) plans to train and equip 500 youths in fish farming and aquaculture before the end of 2026.
LASCAFAN Chairman, Olatoye Fajimi, said the initiative is aimed at addressing the ageing workforce in the sector, noting that about 70 per cent of fish farmers are currently between 50 and 60 years old. The association has already trained nearly 200 students this year through partnerships with agricultural training institutions and internship programmes.
According to Fajimi, LASCAFAN is working with the Lagos Agripreneurship Training Institute and other stakeholders to provide hands-on training, mentorship and farm experience for young people interested in agriculture. The association has also hosted SIWES students from several universities and pledged support for outstanding agricultural research projects.
The association says empowering more youths and women in aquaculture will strengthen food security, create jobs and help secure the future of fish farming in Nigeria.
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