FOOD SECURITY: LAGOS KICKS-OFF CONSTRUCTION OF AQUACULTURE CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE
….to be complete on schedule
Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has begun construction work on the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence Project. This trailblazing initiative will enhance the state’s food security strategy at Igbonla, Eredo, and Epe.
The site visit, which was to monitor the extent of work done so far since work officially commenced, was led by the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Emmanuel Audu, and major stakeholders of the Project.
The Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE) Project is a Private Public Partnership between the Lagos State Government and Dula Agro-Services Limited, located on 35 Hectares of Land in Igbonla axis of Epe Local Government Area.
This project is a new era for Aquaculture in Lagos State because it aims at revolutionising the aquaculture sector in Lagos State by boosting fish production, creating jobs, and enhancing food security. With a projected capacity of about 50 million fish fingerlings annually, it will equally supply 5,000 smallholder farms, significantly contributing to the state’s food security.
The key features of the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence Project are a 50 million fish fingerlings hatchery, a 24,000-tonne feed mill, and a 20,000-tonne fish processing centre, which is the first of its kind not only in Lagos but in the country at Large.
Speaking at the centre during the site inspection, the State Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya said, “We are excited to see the commencement of work at the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence. This project will transform the aquaculture sector, create jobs, and improve food security in our state, this will drastically boost fish production in Lagos, being an aquatic state”.
She further explained that it will be a One-Stop Centre for all fish farmers in the State as production processes are enhanced. It will also create over 1,000 direct or indirect jobs, reduce price of fish, boost the economy, and provide a central location for aggregation, distribution, processing, and marketing of locally sourced fish.
The Chairman of the Board, Lagos Aquaculture Centre for Excellence Limited, Mr. Rotimi Erogbogbo also said “This project is a bold political statement of Inclusivity, Wealth Creation. It will not only serve Lagos but the country at large; this is a great opportunity for all farmers, fishermen, youths and every residents because it is aimed at ensuring that Food Production in Lagos State is enhanced.”
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Dula Agro Services, Mr. Ifedolapo Atinmo expressed optimism and hope that the facility will be completed on time and serve its purpose to its fullest. He further reiterated that the project will drive growth, innovation, and sustainability in the aquaculture sector of the State.