The Lagos State Government has commenced work on a major aquaculture development project expected to redefine fish farming in the state and across Nigeria.
The Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE), located on 35 hectares of land in Igbonla, Epe, is the latest in a series of bold steps to boost food production, reduce fish imports, and create jobs.
The first phase of the project is budgeted at N10 billion and is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the Lagos State Government and Dula Agro-Services Limited.
A Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) was signed by both parties to formalize 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.
She added that the Centre will serve as a hub for research, training, and innovation in aquaculture, focusing on sustainable farming practices, business development, and technical skills needed to empower local farmers.
“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 emphasized the importance of developing more aquaculture hubs to enhance processed and value-added fish production for both domestic consumption and export.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Dula Agro-Services Limited, Mr. Adeyemi Adeshina, highlighted the broader vision behind the investment. He said the partnership reflects a long-term strategy to transition Lagos from a moderate seafood producer into one of the continent’s leading aquaculture hubs.
“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.
“The feed mill, in particular, will play a critical role in reducing input costs while supporting the wider growth of the aquaculture industry.”
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.
