Ogun State Invests ₦2.2bn in Aquaculture, Empowers Over 3,400 Fish Farmers

As part of its continued efforts to promote food security, rural development, and economic growth through agriculture, the Ogun State Government has announced the investment of over ₦2.2 billion in aquaculture initiatives across the state. Governor Dapo Abiodun made the disclosure during the official flag-off of a fish harvest event held in Ijako-Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area on Wednesday.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun highlighted the significant strides made by his administration to transform Ogun State into a leading hub for aquaculture in Nigeria. He said the state had directly supported over 3,400 fish farmers through the distribution of more than 179,000 bags of high-quality fish feed at a 30% subsidy rate.

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Boosting Local Fish Production and Food Security

“In aquaculture alone, we have supported over 3,400 fish farmers across the state,” the governor said. “Each farmer received 72 bags of high-quality feed, with the government subsidising 30 per cent of the cost. In total, more than 179,000 bags have been distributed, representing an investment of about ₦2.2 billion.”

The initiative, according to the governor, is designed to reduce the state’s dependency on imported fish and foster a thriving local aquaculture industry that can meet the state’s rising demand for fish consumption.

Governor Abiodun stressed that the fish harvest celebration was more than a symbolic event—it reflected the resilience and progress of Ogun’s aquaculture value chain and the renewed confidence of farmers who have benefitted from government-backed support.

“This harvest is not just about fish; it is a celebration of the growth and resilience of our aquaculture value chain,” he stated.

Partnerships, Infrastructure, and Sustainability

The governor commended the partnership with the World Bank and the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project team, noting that their collaboration has significantly enhanced the state’s agricultural service delivery.

He further directed the Ministry of Agriculture to fast-track the establishment of a fish processing zone in the area to minimise post-harvest losses, enhance value addition, and improve market access for fish farmers.

Abiodun reiterated his administration’s commitment to making agriculture a commercially viable enterprise. “We remain committed to strengthening our agricultural sector by facilitating better access to finance, improved inputs, modern technology, and critical infrastructure,” he said.

Agricultural Investments and Economic Growth

Bolu Owotomo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, provided a broader context, revealing that the state currently produces about 40,000 tonnes of fish annually, which falls short of the estimated 100,000-tonne demand. He underscored the urgent need for sustained investments to close this gap and achieve food self-sufficiency.

He further stated that the state government has injected at least ₦5.4 billion into various agricultural development initiatives aimed at boosting productivity, supporting farmers, and attracting private investment into the sector.

The Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, lauded the aquaculture initiative as a tool for job creation and local economic development. He said the programme would empower rural communities and help stimulate income-generating opportunities for young people and women.

Traditional Rulers and Stakeholders Endorse the Initiative

Traditional institutions have also thrown their support behind the government’s agricultural vision. The Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Obalanlege, represented by Oba Dr. Odutola Adewunmi, described agriculture as the surest route to achieving food security and economic stability, particularly in underserved rural areas.

Speaking on behalf of the fish farming clusters, Mr. Ebenezer Jinadu, the Cluster Chairman, praised the government and the World Bank for reviving a sector that had previously witnessed decline due to rising costs and lack of access to quality inputs. He revealed that many fish farmers who had shut down operations were now back in business thanks to the timely intervention.

However, Jinadu appealed to the state government to rehabilitate access roads in the area, citing transportation challenges that hinder farmers and buyers from moving goods efficiently.

As Ogun State continues to invest heavily in agriculture, its aquaculture program stands out as a shining example of strategic development. With support from international partners and a focus on sustainability, the state is setting the pace for food production and economic transformation in Nigeria’s Southwest.