Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed on Wednesday that his administration has invested over ₦2.2 billion to support aquaculture development, benefiting more than 3,400 fish farmers with subsidised feed and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the fish-harvest flag-off in Ijako-Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, the governor represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele said each farmer received 72 bags of high-quality feed, with the state covering 30 per cent of the cost. In total, more than 179,000 bags have been distributed.
Abiodun explained that the programme aims to reduce reliance on imported fish and establish Ogun as Nigeria’s inland aquaculture hub.
“This harvest isn’t just about fish; it celebrates the growth and resilience of our aquaculture value chain,” he said, praising the World Bank and the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project for their continued collaboration.
To add value and minimise post-harvest losses, the governor directed the Ministry of Agriculture to fast-track the development of a dedicated fish-processing zone in Ijako-Ota.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to making agriculture a viable economic enterprise by improving access to finance, inputs, technology, and infrastructure.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Bolu Owotomo noted that Ogun currently produces about 40,000 tonnes of fish annually well below the state’s 100,000-tonne demand and stressed the need for ongoing investment.
He added that the government has injected at least ₦5.4 billion into various agricultural initiatives this year.
Commissioner for Finance Dapo Okubadejo, speaking through Commissioner for Budget and Planning Olaolu Olabimtan, described the fish-farming scheme as a major job-creation engine and economic catalyst for local communities.
The Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Obalanlege, commended the administration’s focus on agriculture as the surest route to food security and rural development.
Cluster Chairman Ebenezer Jinadu expressed gratitude on behalf of the farmers, noting that many who had previously suspended operations are now returning to profitable production.
He appealed for the urgent rehabilitation of local roads to improve transport and logistics for both producers and buyers.
