The Lagos State Government has begun a significant aquaculture project called the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE) in Igbonla, Epe. This 35-hectare facility aims to transform fish farming in Lagos State and Nigeria, increasing food production, decreasing reliance on fish imports, and generating employment opportunities.
The initial phase of this N10 billion project is a Public-Private Partnership between the Lagos State Government and Dula Agro-Services Limited, marking the latest effort to enhance the state’s agricultural output.
A Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) was signed by both parties to formalise the collaboration and ensure long-term sustainability of the project.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said LACE is expected to support the establishment of no fewer than 5,000 smallholder fish farms, generating around 1,000 indirect jobs during the construction phase and 500 direct job opportunities upon completion.
The centre will integrate fish hatcheries, grow-out facilities, a processing plant, and a feed mill, designed to improve efficiency across the aquaculture value chain.
At full capacity, LACE will produce 50 million fingerlings annually, 2,000 tons of table-size fish, 20,000 tons of processed fish, and 24,000 tons of fish feed per year.
The Commissioner said the goal is to ensure Lagos becomes more food secure by expanding local fish production and reducing dependency on imports.
“This facility is not just a production site,” Olusanya said. “It is a strategic anchor for aquaculture development, diversification of fish species, and a platform for raising incomes, especially in rural communities.”
In support of the initiative, the Lagos State Government is also working on promoting fish hatcheries and processing centres across the state to maintain a stable supply chain. Olusanya emphasised the importance of developing more aquaculture hubs to enhance processed and value-added fish production for both domestic consumption and export.
Dula Agro-Services Limited’s Managing Director, Adeyemi Adeshina, stated that the investment is part of a long-term strategic partnership to transform Lagos from a moderate seafood producer into a leading African aquaculture hub.
“Our aim is to build a facility that meets global standards, ensuring that local fish farmers have access to high-quality fingerlings and affordable feed,” Adeshina said.
He added that the project would help nourish the future of food and agribusiness in Nigeria, while also positioning the country to compete in global seafood markets through sustainable practices and infrastructure investment.
Source: AgroNigeria
Image Credit: inn-house
