The state government has invested in improving rural infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities
By Uche Nnadozie
Many do not know, but the shrimp business in Lagos is booming the largest shrimp farm in West Africa, thanks to the state’s favourable climate and the efforts of key players like Atlantic Shrimpers. Located in Badagry, Atlantic Shrimpers boasts an impressive 160-hectare site and employs over 400 staff during peak production.
The numbers are staggering – Atlantic Shrimpers exports over 1.2 million kilogrammes of tiger shrimp to Europe and the United States under the brand name – Ayaba, while also selling locally under The Fish Shop brand. This not only showcases the potential of the shrimp industry in Lagos but also highlights the state’s strategic position as a major player in the global seafood market.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abiola Olusanya’s efforts to boost agriculture in the state have undoubtedly contributed to the growth of the shrimp industry. The state’s agricultural sector has received significant attention, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, providing training and support for farmers, and promoting sustainable practices.
Under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the state has demonstrated a commitment to supporting the shrimp industry. The state government has implemented policies and programmes aimed at encouraging investment, improving productivity, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the sector.
Some of the key initiatives include:
Infrastructure development: The state government has invested in improving rural infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities. This has helped to reduce costs and increase efficiency for shrimp farmers.
Training and capacity building: The Sanwo-Olu administration has provided training and capacity-building programmes for shrimp farmers, focusing on best practices, sustainable methods, and innovative technologies.
Access to finance: Lagos has established programmes to provide access to finance for shrimp farmers, including loans, grants, and other forms of support.
Market access: The state government has helped to facilitate market access for shrimp farmers, connecting them with local and international buyers.
The impact of these initiatives is evident in the growth of the shrimp industry in the state where state’s shrimp farmers are now more competitive, productive, and sustainable, with many enjoying increased incomes and improved livelihoods.
However, there are still a few downsides yet to be addressed. The shrimp industry in Lagos faces issues such as water pollution, disease outbreaks, and climate change. These are global issues anyway, but to overcome these challenges, the state government, private sector, and other stakeholders must work together to promote sustainable practices, invest in research and development, and enhance the overall resilience of the sector.
The shrimp business in Lagos is thriving, more investors or players are still expected. Taking advantage of its geography more players are welcome as the state government continues to champion multiple layers of investments.
This is more as culinary diversity continues to populate dining tables across Lagos’ varied restaurants and menus. Aside from exports, residents continue to explore myriads of food flavours. As a hospitality hub – with the popularity of Detty December – seafood will continue to attract revellers both at high-restaurants and home chefs.
Sanwo-Olu and his Agriculture Commissioner have shown forward thinking by encouraging diversity in the agric sector. The success of the aquaculture sector can only attract more investments.