Construction has commenced on the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE), a major fish farming and processing facility located in Igbonla, Epe. The first phase of the project is valued at ₦10 billion.
Once completed, the centre is expected to produce 50 million fingerlings annually, 2,000 tonnes of table-size fish, 20,000 tonnes of processed fish, and 24,000 tonnes of fish feed each year. The project is being executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a 35-hectare site.
The Lagos State Government signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Dula Agro-Services Limited to develop the LACE project.
Speaking on the development, Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the centre would support the establishment of at least 5,000 smallholder fish farms. It is also projected to create approximately 1,000 indirect jobs during the construction phase and 500 direct jobs once operational.
The facility will include hatcheries, grow-out systems, fish processing units, and a feed mill to support both the centre and associated out-growers. These out-growers will supply fish to the processing plant, enhancing the entire aquaculture value chain.
Ms. Olusanya added that the centre will also serve as a hub for research and training in aquaculture, covering farming practices, business development, and sustainability.
According to her, LACE is designed to anchor aquaculture growth in Lagos by diversifying fish species, enhancing food security, and empowering local fish farmers. The project also aims to boost fish production, ensure stable fish supply, and promote processed and value-added aquaculture products for both domestic and export markets.
She emphasized the importance of expanding hatcheries and processing plants to improve farm incomes and create employment, especially in rural areas.
Dula Agro-Services Limited Managing Director, Mr. Adeyemi Adeshina, said the PPP initiative reflects a strategic vision to position Lagos as a leading player in global aquaculture. He noted that the centre will focus on producing export-quality seafood while maintaining environmental standards.
He also highlighted the project’s goal to improve access to quality fingerlings and reduce feed costs through its dedicated feed mill, ultimately contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s aquaculture industry.
Adeshina expressed confidence that, with the right infrastructure, Nigeria can become a competitive force in the global seafood market.