In a bid to maximise the full potential of its aquaculture industry, the Lagos State Government is embarking on a large-scale fish production and processing initiative in the Igbonla area of Epe.
The project, in collaboration with DULA Agro Services Limited, will serve as an offtake facility for fish farms and aquaculture operators. It is expected to produce at least 50 million fingerlings and 2,000 tons of table-sized fish annually. Additionally, the facility will offtake about 20,000 fish and aqua feeds from fish farmers each year.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, led top officials of the ministry and representatives of DULA on an inspection tour of the project site, known as the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE), in Igbonla.
She explained that the project is designed to bolster local fish production, ensure availability to residents, and ultimately reduce market prices.
According to her, one of the major challenges facing fish farmers in Lagos is the lack of offtakers, which limits their ability to sell at fair market prices. The facility, she noted, will address this issue by supporting the entire aquaculture value chain.
Commissioner Olusanya further stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu prioritises the project as a means of empowering retirees and young people interested in fish farming. Once fully operational by the third quarter of next year, the centre is projected to create 500 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs.
Addressing security concerns, she assured that the traditional ruler of the area, the Alara of Ilara, has given his royal blessings, and members of the host community will be considered for employment opportunities.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of DULA Agro Services Limited, Mr. Ifedolapo Atinmo, explained that the project opted out of cage farming methods and selected Igbonla after assessing seven different locations due to its favorable water conditions.
Atinmo revealed that 70,000 fish will be stocked per pond, with a target of harvesting 65 tons from each. He noted the project has the potential to add over N50 billion to Nigeriaβs Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the first phase alone costing N10 billion.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, Mr. Erogbogbo Rotimi Hakeem, described the project as a political statement of inclusiveness by Governor Sanwo-Olu, aimed at wealth creation for Lagosians.
He noted that Nigeria currently imports up to 70% of its fish consumption, with Egypt supplying about 60% of that. He expressed optimism that the project would encourage young people, who are often discouraged by market uncertainties and exploitative middlemen, to embrace aquaculture.
Mr. Erogbogbo added that fish farmers who form cooperatives will have access to funding under the project, emphasizing its potential to enhance the stateβs food security.
The Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence spans 35 hectares and will focus on the production and processing of various fish species, including catfish and tilapia.
