Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that his administration has invested over N2.2bn to support aquaculture development across the state, benefiting more than 3,400 fish farmers through subsidised inputs and strategic partnerships.
Speaking on Wednesday at the fish harvest flag-off in Ijako-Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, the governor said the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to boost food security, create jobs, and support sustainable livelihoods in the agricultural sector.
“In aquaculture alone, we have supported over 3,400 fish farmers across the state,” the governor stated. “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 N2.2bn.”
Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported fish and reposition Ogun State as a hub for inland aquaculture in Nigeria.
“This harvest is not just about fish; it is a celebration of the growth and resilience of our aquaculture value chain,” he added.
The governor also commended the World Bank and the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project team for their continued collaboration, which he said had strengthened the state’s capacity to support farmers and agribusinesses.
Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to make agriculture a viable economic enterprise through improved access to finance, inputs, technology, and infrastructure.
He further directed the state’s Ministry of Agriculture to accelerate the development of a proposed fish processing zone in the area to minimise post-harvest losses and add value to the local industry.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, noted that Ogun State produces about 40,000 tonnes of fish annually, far below the state’s demand of over 100,000 tonnes, and emphasised the need for sustained investment.
He added that the government had injected no less than N5.4bn into agricultural initiatives in the state under various support schemes.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, praised the fish farming initiative as a major job-creation tool and an economic catalyst for local communities.
The Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Obalanlege, represented by Oba Dr. Odutola Adewunmi, lauded the government’s renewed focus on agriculture, calling it the surest path to food sufficiency and rural development.
Cluster Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Jinadu, expressed deep appreciation to the government and the World Bank, revealing that many fish farmers had previously shut down operations but were now returning to business thanks to the support.
He, however, appealed to the state government to rehabilitate roads in the area to ease transportation and logistics for farmers and buyers.
