Lagos builds aquaculture excellence centre

Located on 35 hectares in Eredo, Epe, the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE) is a public-private partnership between the Lagos State Government and Dula Agro-Services.

During a site inspection led by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, key stakeholders reviewed progress. “We are excited to see the commencement of work at the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence,” said Olusanya.

“This project will transform the aquaculture sector, create jobs and improve food security in our state.”

With a projected annual output of 50 million fish fingerlings, the centre will support 5,000 smallholder farms. It will feature a state-of-the-art hatchery, a 24,000-tonne feed mill and a 20,000-tonne fish processing centre – reportedly the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“It will be a one-stop centre for fish farmers, reducing fish prices, boosting the economy and creating over 1,000 jobs,” said Olusanya.

Chair of the LACE board, Rotimi Erogbogbo, described the project as ‘a bold political statement of inclusivity and wealth creation’ whilst Dula Agro-Services chief executive, Ifedolapo Atinmo, said that the project will drive innovation and sustainability in aquaculture.