The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ellah Lakes PLC, Chuka Mordi, has emphasized that sustainable success in large-scale agriculture hinges on strong collaboration, innovative financing models, and long-term strategic planning.
He made this known while speaking during the second day of the Africa Agriculture Dialogue 2025, where he discussed funding mechanisms and opportunities for large-scale agricultural ventures in Nigeria.
Mordi began by introducing Ellah Lakes PLC, an agribusiness company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, established in 2019 and owned by over 11,000 shareholders.
The company operates across multiple Nigerian states, cultivating 2,400 hectares of oil palm in Edo State, 3,700 hectares in Enugu State for mixed crops such as rice and short-cycle produce, and 7,804 hectares in Ekiti and Ondo States.
He explained that Ellah Lakes focuses primarily on cash crops, edible oils, oil palm, and livestock production, with a long-term goal of supporting Nigeria’s food security through sustainable and scalable operations.
A key part of this vision, he noted, is driven by the company’s subsidiary, Adani Staple Crop Processing Zone Food Company Limited, which focuses on cultivating and processing staple crops suited to Nigeria’s climate—such as soybeans, cassava, maize, and rice.
“Our Enugu plantation spans 4,000 hectares, with 1,700 hectares fully irrigated, allowing for all-year cultivation and harvests. Plans are underway to expand to 20,000 hectares to further boost productivity and employment,” Mordi stated.
Outlining Ellah Lakes’ broader ambitions, Mordi shared that the company aims to become the largest cattle feedlot and diversified livestock operator in Sub-Saharan West Africa, positioning Nigeria as a hub for agricultural innovation and self-sufficiency.
When discussing funding strategies for projects of such scale, he underscored that success relies on several interlinked factors.
“It is essential to align operations with government policies while actively engaging relevant agencies to ensure regulatory and operational synergy,” he explained.
Mordi also stressed the importance of forming partnerships with end users, particularly processors and consumers of agricultural products, to strengthen the entire value chain.
He further emphasized the need to work closely with financial institutions that understand Nigeria’s macroeconomic realities and are willing to commit to long-term investments in agriculture.
“Implementing effective risk mitigation strategies is key to safeguarding financial sustainability,” he said, adding that “developing a long-term, commercially viable plan is crucial for maintaining profitability and achieving lasting national impact.”
Concluding his remarks, Mordi reiterated Ellah Lakes’ unwavering dedication to advancing agricultural transformation across the country.
“Large-scale agricultural success in Nigeria requires strategic collaboration, innovative funding models, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. At Ellah Lakes, we remain focused on driving that transformation,” he affirmed.
