Oborevwori flags off $70m Olam Agri Feed Mill In Delta, says project will crash cost of chicken, eggs, fish

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has performed the ground-breaking ceremony for a $70 million integrated animal feed manufacturing facility by Olam Agri in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.

The facility, when completed, will produce 450,000 metric tonnes of poultry feed and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed annually to serve farmers across the South-South and South-East.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori described the investment as a major boost to industrialisation and agricultural development in the state, and a direct outcome of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in August 2026.

"This is another significant milestone in the implementation of our MORE Agenda. The absence of a major feed manufacturing facility in this region has remained a major constraint to livestock and poultry production," the Governor said.

He noted that farmers in the region had been forced to depend on supplies from the South-West and Middle Belt, noting that animal feed accounts for 60 to 80 per cent of livestock and poultry production costs.

"This facility will reduce transportation costs, improve access to feed and ultimately make chicken, eggs and fish more affordable for our people," he added.

Oborevwori said the project would also provide a reliable market for local farmers producing maize, soya bean and other raw materials, thereby strengthening the agricultural value chain and improving food security.

He disclosed that the State Government provided approximately 99.99 acres of land for the investment free of charge and paid the necessary compensation to facilitate take-off.

The Governor assured the company of government support, but warned against illegal demands from individuals.

"I have repeatedly told 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 uninterrupted construction, attributing the company's choice of Ogwashi-Uku to improved security, roads and accessibility.

Oborevwori also disclosed that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku had indicated the availability of about 8,000 hectares of land for investment, assuring prospective investors of government collaboration with traditional institutions.

Earlier, the President and Global Head of Integrated Feed and Protein at Olam Agri, Sharad Gupta, commended the Governor for his personal commitment to the project.

He said the decision to establish the facility in Delta was informed by the enormous agricultural potential of the South-South and South-East, adding that increased domestic production of chicken, eggs and fish would help address food security challenges and reduce dependence on imported frozen fish.

"We will support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, developing agricultural skills and creating opportunities for young people and women," Gupta assured.

Giving an overview of the investment, the Senior Vice President and Business Head, Integrated Feed and Protein, Nigeria, Amit Agarwal, said Olam Agri currently operates 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 annually.

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 added that the company plans to establish an Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Delta, with the objective of developing the Asaba-Warri axis into a major catfish production hub, and 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 to translate the kingdom's investment potential into employment, economic growth and improved livelihoods.

Also speaking, 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.