Oborevwori Flags Off $70 Million Olam Agri Feed Mill, Targets Lower Feed Costs & Food Prices
Investment to strengthen agriculture & industrialisation
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 project is expected to produce 450,000 metric tonnes of poultry feed annually and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed. Consequently, it is expected to improve feed availability for farmers across the South-South and South-East while addressing persistent supply challenges and high production costs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oborevwori described the investment as a major step towards industrialisation and agricultural development in Delta State. He explained that the project followed the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in August 2026 and represented another milestone in implementing his administration’s MORE Agenda.
According to the governor, the absence of a major animal feed manufacturing plant in the region has constrained livestock and poultry production. As a result, farmers have depended heavily on supplies transported from distant locations, particularly the South-West and Middle Belt.
He noted that animal feed accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of livestock and poultry production costs. Therefore, improving its affordability and availability could significantly reduce the financial burden on farmers and strengthen the supply of animal protein.
Oborevwori expressed confidence that local production would reduce transportation expenses, improve access to essential inputs and ultimately make chicken, eggs and fish more affordable.
Furthermore, he said the facility would create a dependable market for farmers cultivating maize, soybean and other agricultural raw materials. This, he explained, would strengthen the agricultural value chain, stimulate local production and contribute to food security.
Government provides land & assures investors of protection
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. He added that the government also paid the necessary compensation to facilitate land acquisition and the commencement of construction.
While assuring Olam Agri of continued government support, Oborevwori warned individuals against demanding illegal payments or interfering with the investment.
He consequently urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to protect the project and ensure that construction proceeded without disruption.
“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.
The governor also attributed Olam Agri’s choice of Ogwashi-Uku partly to improved security, better road infrastructure and accessibility arising from his administration’s investments in roads and bridges.
He maintained that the government would continue creating an investment-friendly environment to attract industries, generate employment and diversify the state’s economy.
Additionally, Oborevwori disclosed that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku had indicated the availability of approximately 8,000 hectares of land for investment. He assured prospective investors that the government would work with the traditional institution to facilitate access to suitable land.
Olam Agri highlights regional agricultural potential
Earlier, President and Global Head of Integrated Feed and Protein at Olam Agri, Sharad Gupta, commended Oborevwori for his personal commitment to the investment.
Gupta explained that the company’s decision to establish the facility in Delta State reflected the considerable agricultural potential of the South-South and South-East.
He said Olam Agri had operated in Nigeria for about a decade and had developed strong relationships with farmers through investments in soybean processing, seed multiplication and improved agricultural practices.
According to him, the company would extend similar productivity programmes to Delta State, particularly in maize and soybean cultivation.
Gupta identified poultry and aquaculture as sectors with considerable growth potential. He added that expanding domestic production of chicken, eggs and fish would strengthen food security and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported frozen fish.
He also assured host communities of sustained engagement, saying the company would support initiatives to improve livelihoods, develop agricultural skills and create opportunities for young people and women.
New facility to expand national production capacity
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.
Together, the existing plants have an 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.
Agarwal explained that the Ogwashi-Uku project would add 450,000 tonnes of poultry feed and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed to the company’s existing capacity. Consequently, the investment would establish one of the country’s largest integrated feed manufacturing facilities.
He further disclosed that Olam Agri planned to establish an Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Delta State. The initiative, he said, would help develop the Asaba-Warri axis into a major catfish production hub serving the South-South and South-East.
Meanwhile, the company would collaborate with the state government to strengthen local production of maize, soybean, cassava and other agricultural raw materials required to sustain the facility.
Agarwal said this approach would provide farmers with a dependable market while stimulating agricultural activities across the state. He expressed optimism that the project would be ready for inauguration in approximately one year, when production would commence.
Traditional institution pledges support
In his remarks, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonjo, said the kingdom was positioning itself as a major investment destination.
He disclosed that approximately 15 multinational and indigenous companies had expressed interest in establishing businesses in the area.
The traditional ruler assured the governor that the kingdom would continue partnering with the state government and genuine investors to translate its economic potential into employment, growth and improved livelihoods.
Earlier, the Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Chukwunwike, described the investment as an important development for the council and Delta State.
