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Olam Agri has invested $70 million in a new integrated animal feed mill in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, as part of efforts to expand local production and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The project, which has entered the development stage, will feature a poultry feed mill with a daily production capacity of 1,500 tonnes, an aqua feed mill capable of producing 300 tonnes daily and storage facilities with a capacity of 125,000 tonnes.
The facility, being developed on 99.99 hectares of land, is expected to be completed and begin operations in 2027.
The investment is expected to boost the supply of quality animal feed to poultry farmers, fish farmers and livestock producers, particularly in the South-South and South-East regions.
It will also reduce the regions’ dependence on feed transported from the South-West, thereby cutting supply delays, improving access to products and making distribution more efficient.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Amit Agarwal, Senior Vice President and Business Head, Integrated Feeds and Proteins, Olam Agri Nigeria, said the investment reflected the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s agricultural potential and commitment to strengthening local food production.
He said: “At Olam Agri, we believe building a resilient food system requires a sustained investment in local production, infrastructure and the partnership that connects farmers’ businesses and consumers.
“The groundbreaking of our new Integrated Feed Mill reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s agricultural potential and our commitment to strengthening our capabilities across food and feed,” he said.
Agarwal added that locating the facility closer to customers in the South-South and South-East would improve access to quality animal feed, raise farmers’ productivity and strengthen the livestock sector.
He appreciated the Delta State Government, traditional institutions and other stakeholders for their support, adding that the company would work with the government and host community to ensure the project delivers lasting benefits.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, described the investment as an important development that would stimulate economic activities, create jobs and strengthen agricultural businesses in the state.
He said: “We are delighted to witness the commencement of this important investment by Olam Agri in Delta State.
“This project is particularly significant because of its potential to stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities and strengthen the livestock and agricultural value chains in our state.”
The governor said his administration remained committed to creating a business-friendly environment, attracting credible investors and unlocking opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Also speaking, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi Ifechukwudi Okonjo II, welcomed the project, expressing hope that residents of the community would benefit from the employment and business opportunities it would create.
He said the community looked forward to a partnership based on trust, respect and shared prosperity, assuring the company of its support.
Similarly, Sharad Gupta, President and Global Head of Integrated Feed and Protein, Olam Agri, said the investment would significantly expand the company’s production capacity, particularly in poultry and aquaculture feed.
According to him, the facility would improve supply chain efficiency and make quality feed more readily available to farmers, supporting increased production of animal protein in Nigeria.
Gupta said the company was also accelerating investments in agricultural processing, manufacturing infrastructure, product innovation and human capital development across Africa to meet rising demand for food.
Olam Agri already operates animal feed mills, poultry breeding farms, a hatchery for producing day-old chicks and a soybean crushing facility in Nigeria.
The company recently introduced new feed products for cattle, sheep and goats to improve livestock farmers’ productivity and support the development of the country’s livestock industry.
The new Delta facility will further expand its operations in Nigeria, at a time the Federal Government is pushing to improve food security, increase local production, create jobs and reduce dependence on imported agricultural products.
Other dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony included Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ada Arenyeka.
