Ogun State has taken a bold step towards enhancing food security and economic growth by investing over ₦2.2 billion to strengthen its aquaculture sector. Governor Dapo Abiodun revealed this during the official launch of the fish harvest season in Ijako-Ota, located in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun highlighted that more than 3,400 fish farmers have benefited from the initiative. Each farmer received 72 bags of high-quality fish feed, with the state government subsidizing 30% of the cost. To date, over 179,000 bags of feed have been distributed under the program.

According to the governor, the goal is to reduce dependence on imported fish products and establish Ogun State as a powerhouse for inland aquaculture in Nigeria. “This fish harvest is not just about the produce; it represents the growth and resilience of our aquaculture value chain,” Abiodun stated, while acknowledging the support of the World Bank and the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project.

To further boost the sector, Governor Abiodun directed the Ministry of Agriculture to fast-track the establishment of a dedicated fish processing hub in Ijako-Ota to minimize post-harvest losses and increase value addition for farmers.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, revealed that Ogun currently produces around 40,000 tonnes of fish annually, a figure that falls short of the state’s 100,000-tonne demand. He emphasized the necessity of sustained investments to bridge the gap, adding that the government has already injected over ₦5.4 billion into various agricultural development programs this year alone.

The Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, praised the fish farming project as a catalyst for job creation and rural economic development.

Traditional leaders and farming clusters also expressed their appreciation. The Olota of Ota, Oba Professor Abdulkabir Obalanlege, commended the state’s focus on agriculture as the surest path toward achieving food sufficiency and rural transformation. Cluster Chairman Ebenezer Jinadu noted that many fish farmers who had previously ceased operations have now resumed business, thanks to the government’s timely intervention. He, however, called on the administration to prioritize road rehabilitation to ease transportation challenges for fish producers and buyers.

The Ogun State government’s substantial investment in aquaculture demonstrates its commitment to revitalizing agriculture, enhancing food security, and empowering local farmers through strategic partnerships and sustainable practices.