Olam Agri Begins Construction of $70 Million Integrated Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility in Delta

Olam Agri has commenced the construction of a $70 million integrated animal feed manufacturing facility in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, with an annual production capacity of 450,000 metric tonnes of poultry feed and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed.

The project, expected to serve farmers across the South-South and South-East regions, is designed to address high animal feed costs, improve local supply and strengthen Nigeria’s poultry and aquaculture value chains.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility, describing the investment as a major boost to the state’s industrialisation and agricultural development drive.

Oborevwori said the project was a direct outcome of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in August 2026 and another significant milestone in the implementation of his administration’s MORE Agenda.

He noted that the absence of a major animal feed manufacturing facility in the region had remained a major constraint to livestock and poultry production, forcing farmers to depend on supplies transported from distant locations, particularly the South-West and Middle Belt.

According to the Governor, animal feed accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of livestock and poultry production costs, making its affordability critical to farmers’ profitability and the availability of animal protein.

He expressed confidence that the new facility would reduce transportation costs, improve access to feed and ultimately make chicken, eggs and fish more affordable to consumers.

Oborevwori added that the investment would provide a dependable market for local farmers producing maize, soybean and other agricultural raw materials, thereby strengthening the agricultural value chain and supporting food security.

The Governor 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 land acquisition and the commencement of construction.

He assured Olam Agri of the government’s continued support, warning individuals against demanding illegal payments or interfering 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 also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths in the host community to protect the investment and ensure that construction proceeded without disruption.

Oborevwori attributed the company’s choice of Ogwashi-Uku partly to security, improved road infrastructure and accessibility resulting from his administration’s investments in roads and bridges.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment capable of attracting industries, generating employment and diversifying the state’s economy.

The Governor further disclosed that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku had indicated the availability of about 8,000 hectares of land for investment, assuring prospective investors that the government would collaborate with the traditional institution to facilitate access to suitable land.

Earlier, President and Global Head of Integrated Feed and Protein at Olam Agri, Sharad Gupta, commended Oborevwori for his personal commitment to the project, saying the company’s decision to establish the facility in Delta was informed by the agricultural potential of the South-South and South-East regions.

Gupta said the company, which had operated in Nigeria for about a decade, had established strong relationships with farmers through investments in soybean processing, seed multiplication and improved agricultural practices.

He disclosed that similar productivity programmes would be extended to Delta State, particularly in maize and soybean cultivation.

Identifying poultry and aquaculture as sectors with enormous growth potential, Gupta said increased domestic production of chicken, eggs and fish would help address Nigeria’s food security challenges and reduce dependence on imported frozen fish.

He assured the host communities of sustained engagement, adding that Olam Agri would support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, developing agricultural skills and creating opportunities for young people and women.

Providing details of the investment, 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 annual 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 add 450,000 tonnes of poultry feed and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed to the company’s production capacity, making it one of the largest integrated feed manufacturing facilities in the country.

Agarwal also announced plans to establish an Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Delta State, with the objective of developing the Asaba-Warri axis into a major catfish production hub for the South-South and South-East.

He said Olam Agri would work with the state government to strengthen local production of maize, soybean, cassava and other raw materials required to sustain the facility, creating a dependable market for farmers and stimulating agricultural activities.

Agarwal expressed optimism that the project would be ready for inauguration in about a year, when production would commence.

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.

Earlier, Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Chukwunwike, described the investment as an important development for the local government area and Delta State.