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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed optimism that the prices of chicken, eggs and fish will soon be affordable for Deltans with the flag-off of the construction of a $70 million integrated animal feed manufacturing facility by Olam Agri in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.
Oborevwori spoke while performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the project, which is expected to produce 450,000 metric tonnes of poultry feed annually and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed, serving farmers across the South-South and South-East.
Speaking at the ceremony on Wednesday, Oborevwori said the investment was a major boost to Delta’s industrialisation and agricultural development, and a direct outcome of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in August 2026.
He said it was another significant milestone in the implementation of his administration’s MORE Agenda.
Oborevwori noted that the absence of a major feed mill in the region had forced farmers to depend on supplies from the South-West and Middle Belt.
“Animal feed accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of livestock and poultry production costs,” the governor said.
He expressed confidence that the new facility would reduce transportation costs, improve access to feed and, ultimately, make chicken, eggs and fish more affordable for Deltans.
The project will also provide a reliable market for local farmers producing maize, soyabean and other raw materials, strengthening the agricultural value chain and improving food security.
Oborevwori disclosed that the state government provided approximately 99.99 acres of land for the investment without charging the company, and also paid the necessary compensation to facilitate take-off.
He warned against illegal payments and interference with the project.
“I have repeatedly told the investors not to give money to anybody in the name of facilitating their project. We do not encourage such practices, and nobody should demand illegal payments from investors,” he warned.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to protect the investment and ensure that construction proceeded without disruption.
The governor attributed Olam Agri’s choice of Ogwashi-Uku partly to security, improved road infrastructure and accessibility.
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He also disclosed that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku had indicated the availability of about 8,000 hectares of land for investment.
Earlier, the President and Global Head of Integrated Feed and Protein at Olam Agri, Sharad Gupta, commended Oborevwori for his personal commitment to the project.
Gupta said the decision to establish the facility in Delta was informed by the enormous agricultural potential of the South-South and South-East.
He said the company, which had operated in Nigeria for about a decade, would extend its productivity programmes to Delta, particularly in maize and soyabean cultivation.
He identified poultry and aquaculture as sectors with enormous growth potential, noting that increased domestic production would help address food security and reduce dependence on imported frozen fish.
Giving an overview, the Senior Vice President and Business Head, Integrated Feed and Protein, Nigeria, Amit Agarwal, said Olam Agri currently operated two major facilities in Kaduna and Kwara, with a combined capacity of 660,000 tonnes of poultry feed, 150,000 tonnes of aquafeed and 450 million day-old chicks.
He said the Ogwashi-Uku facility would add 450,000 tonnes of poultry feed and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed, making it one of the largest integrated feed manufacturing facilities in the country.
Agarwal said the company also planned to establish an Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Delta to develop the Asaba-Warri axis into a major catfish production hub.
He expressed optimism that the project would be ready for inauguration in about a year.
In his remarks, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okonjo, said the kingdom was positioning itself as a major investment destination, disclosing that about 15 multinational and indigenous companies had expressed interest in establishing businesses in the area.
He assured the governor that the traditional institution would continue to partner with the state government and genuine investors.
Earlier, the Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Chukwunwike, described the investment as an important development for the local government and Delta State.
