Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a $70 million integrated animal feed manufacturing facility by Olam Agri in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.
The facility is expected to produce approximately 450,000 metric tonnes of poultry feed annually and nearly 100,000 metric tonnes of aquafeed, serving farmers across the South-South and South-East regions.
The project is aimed at addressing challenges associated with the high cost and limited availability of animal feed, which accounts for an estimated 60 to 80 per cent of livestock and poultry production expenses.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oborevwori described the investment as a major development in the state’s industrialisation and agricultural growth agenda. He said the project followed discussions at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in August 2026 and aligned with his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
The governor noted that the absence of a major animal feed manufacturing facility in the region had forced many farmers to depend on supplies transported from distant locations, particularly the South-West and the Middle Belt.
He expressed optimism that the new factory would reduce transportation costs, improve access to affordable feed and contribute to lowering the cost of poultry products, eggs and fish.
Oborevwori also said the facility would provide a ready market for local farmers producing maize, soybean and other agricultural raw materials, thereby strengthening the agricultural value chain and supporting food security.
He disclosed that the state government had provided approximately 99.99 acres of land for the project without charging the company for the allocation and had also paid the necessary compensation to facilitate the acquisition.
The governor assured Olam Agri of government support and warned against illegal demands for money from investors. He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to protect the project and ensure that construction proceeded without disruption.
Oborevwori attributed the company’s choice of Ogwashi-Uku partly to improved security, road infrastructure and accessibility, adding that his administration remained committed to creating an environment conducive to industrial investment and job creation.
He further disclosed that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku had indicated the availability of about 8,000 hectares of land for prospective investments, assuring interested businesses of government collaboration in facilitating access to suitable land.
Earlier, President and Global Head of Integrated Feed and Protein at Olam Agri, Sharad Gupta, said the company’s decision to invest in Delta State was informed by the agricultural potential of the South-South and South-East regions.
Gupta disclosed that the company, which has operated in Nigeria for about a decade, had established relationships with farmers through investments in soybean processing, seed multiplication and improved agricultural practices.
He said similar productivity programmes would be extended to Delta State, particularly in maize and soybean cultivation, while assuring host communities of the company’s commitment to skills development, improved livelihoods and opportunities for women and young people.
Also speaking, Senior Vice President and Business Head of Integrated Feed and Protein, Nigeria, Amit Agarwal, said the company’s existing facilities in Kaduna and Kwara had a combined annual production capacity of 660,000 tonnes of poultry feed, 150,000 tonnes of aquafeed and 450 million day-old chicks for the broiler sector.
He explained that the Ogwashi-Uku facility would significantly expand the company’s production capacity, adding that plans were underway to establish an Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Delta State to develop the Asaba-Warri axis into a major catfish production hub.
Agarwal said the company would also collaborate with the state government to strengthen local production of maize, soybean, cassava and other raw materials required for the factory.
He expressed optimism that the project would be ready for inauguration in approximately one year, when production is expected to commence.
In his remarks, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okonjo, said the kingdom was positioning itself as an investment destination, disclosing that about 15 multinational and indigenous companies had expressed interest in establishing businesses in the area.
He pledged the traditional institution’s continued cooperation with the state government and genuine investors to promote employment, economic development and improved livelihoods.
Earlier, Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Chukwunwike, described the investment as a significant development for the council area and Delta State.
The project is expected to expand animal feed production capacity, strengthen agricultural activities and create opportunities across the region’s poultry and aquaculture value chains.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
