In order to make Lagos state more food secure and expand fish production in volumes, the Lagos state government has commenced construction work at the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE) in Igbonla, Epe.
The centre which is done under a public private partnership is expected to produce over 50 million fingerlings annually, over 2,000 tonnes of table-sized fish per annum; over 20,000 tonnes processed fish per annum; and over 24,000 tonnes of fish feed annually.
Abisola Olusanya, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food System while speaking during a tour to the facility in company of other officials of the Ministry, located at Igbonla in Epe area of the state said that the project, sited on a 35 hectares of land will be done partnership with Dula Agro Services.
She said that the centre is to be a processing facility for fish from various clusters across the state from the different fish farms.
“The expectation is that this facility would be able to mop up the fish and process it here. But at the same time, this will also serve as a production center for fingerlings, also it will produce fish to its own table-sized portions as well. It will serve as a processing facility as well as a production facility,” she said.
She noted that the project should go live next year by the third quarter.
“The project only just started this March, and obviously the progress that has been made within the last two months, I think it’s amazing considering that this was a forested area, and you can see behind us that work is going on day and night.
“The facility will include hatcheries, grow-out systems, fish processing units, and a feed mill to support both the centre and associated out-growers. These out-growers will supply fish to the processing plant, enhancing the entire aquaculture value chain,” she said.
According to her, the Centre will boost fish production, ensure stable fish supply, and promote processed and value-added aquaculture products for both domestic and export markets.
Ifedolapo Atimo, the CEO of DULA Agro Services while speaking said that the first phase of the investment will cost about N10billion and that at completion it is expected to add about N50billion to the nation’s GDP.
He said that the centre when completed will increase local sources for fingerlings and will help reduce feed costs and support growth of the aquaculture sector.
Rotimi Erogbogbo, the Chairman of the LACE Board, while speaking said the project is aimed at creating wealth for the people and that the whole idea is to meet the fish requirement of Lagos state and the entire country.
“If you see the fish requirement of Nigeria today, by my own understanding, we are able to provide just 30%. That is unfortunate, that we now have to import over 70% and to me, it’s a great challenge and it’s a great opportunity for our teaming youth.
It’s a great opportunity for all entrepreneurs and also for farmers around the Epe.
He said that the centre will produce different species of fish; catfish, tilapia, among others.
