Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has commenced construction of the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE) Project, located at Igbonla, Eredo, in the Epe division.
This pioneering initiative, situated on 35 hectares of land, is a Public-Private Partnership between Lagos State Government and Dula Agro-Services Limited, within the Epe Local Government Area.
During a site inspection at the centre, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, stated that the visit aimed to review the progress since construction officially began.
Accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Audu, and other key stakeholders, Olusanya expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential.
She 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.”
“This project is a new era for Aquaculture in Lagos State because it aims at revolutionizing 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 24,000-tonne feed mill, and a 20,000-tonne fish processing centre is the first of its kind not only in Lagos but the country at Large.”
Key features of the project include a hatchery with a capacity of 50 million fish fingerlings, a 24,000-tonne feed mill, and a 20,000-tonne fish processing facility the first of its kind in Lagos and indeed Nigeria.
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The Commissioner further explained that LACE will serve as a one-stop centre for fish farmers in the state, improving production processes, creating over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, lowering fish prices, stimulating the economy, and providing a central hub for the aggregation, distribution, processing, and marketing of locally sourced fish.
Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman of the Board of Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence Limited, described the project as a bold political statement of inclusivity and wealth creation, benefiting not just Lagos but the entire country.
He stated, “This is a fantastic opportunity for farmers, fishermen, youths, and all stakeholders, aimed at significantly enhancing food production in Lagos.”
Echoing optimism, Mr Ifedolapo Atinmo, CEO of partner company Dula Agro-Services, expressed confidence that the facility would be completed on schedule and fulfil its intended purpose.
Atinmo emphasised that the project would drive growth, innovation, and sustainability in Lagos State’s aquaculture sector.
