Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aquaculture sector have called for the rapid adoption of digital technology to support industry coordination and domestic fish production, following the launch of E-AquaHealth, a digital platform developed by Smart AquaHealth Solutions Limited to address critical gaps in fish health management. 

Speaking at the launch in Ibadan, co-founder Prof. Olanike Adeyemo explained that the innovation was born from a USAID-supported research project during the COVID-19 pandemic, which identified a lack of biosecurity awareness and professional veterinary support as major hurdles for Nigerian fish farmers.

The E-AquaHealth platform functions as a comprehensive ecosystem, allowing farmers to digitally report disease symptoms while connecting them directly with veterinarians, diagnostic laboratories, and verified input vendors. 

Adeyemo noted that while sectors like poultry are more established, aquaculture remains relatively young, often leaving catfish and tilapia farmers without access to expert advice. 

The platform will bridge this divide through tele-veterinary consultations, mobile-enabled farm record systems, and a digital marketplace designed to streamline the supply of quality fish seeds and feed.

The initiative has received significant academic and regional backing. Former University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, praised the project as a successful example of research commercialisation, transforming laboratory discoveries into market-ready solutions. 

Similarly, the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, emphasised that science and innovation are essential to meet the high demand for affordable protein in Nigeria. In its first phase, Smart AquaHealth Solutions aims to onboard 1,000 farmers, providing them with the technical and digital tools necessary to minimise losses and build a sustainable, productive industry.

Source: Independent News