Wema Bank has entered into a strategic partnership with the Fisheries Cooperatives Federation of Nigeria (FCFN) to enhance fish production and improve the welfare of fish farmers across the country.

As part of the collaboration, Wema Bank on Tuesday launched a membership registration, revalidation, and account-opening campaign at the Kado Fish Market in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Public Relations Officer of the federation, Alhaji Surajo Isa, explained that the sensitisation drive seeks to attract more members into the cooperative. 

According to him, the federation currently has 11 million registered members and plans to enrol an additional one million by September.

He further disclosed that the partnership goes beyond banking services. “The bank will build one market in each of the six geopolitical zones and provide health subsidies for all registered members,” Isa said.

On his part, the National President of FCFN, Mohammed Alhaji Laminu, noted that the mobilisation campaign would expand to other states, including Benue and Nasarawa, in the coming weeks. 

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the ministries of Marine and Blue Economy, Livestock, and Agriculture and Food Security for supporting initiatives that boost food production. 

Laminu further praised Wema Bank and leaders of other cooperatives for their contributions to the partnership.

The partnership has been well-received by stakeholders. Aminu Adam, Chairman of the Abuja Fresh Fish Sellers Association, expressed optimism about its benefits. 

“This collaboration will help us capture our members’ data and access financial assistance to grow our businesses,” he said. 

“Members will also benefit from training, while the union will contribute smoking kits, inputs, and other facilities needed to improve fish farming.”

Source: HallMark News