The Lagos State Government revealed that companies based out of Finland, the USA and China have expressed their interest in setting up of fish feed mills in the state of Lagos.
Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-ops, made the comment while speaking at a press conference introducing the upcoming 2013 Lagos Seafood Festival.
Lawal, did not reveal the interested company's names, but he did say that the Finnish company had contacted him personally, stressing that they were already working out modalities for the plant, adding that it would help to boost fish production in the state and narrow the supply-demand gap for fish feed.
Lawal added that a Chinese firm and an American company have also expressed interests in the establishment of fish feed processing plants in the state.
He said the interests meant that government's effort at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the state's aquaculture industry is yielding positive results. The commissioner restated the government's commitments in achieving self-sufficiency in fish production.
He explained that the Lagos Seafood Festival, which will begin on the 6th of December will herald the Lagos Countdown exercise to showcase the food tourism potential of the state. Lawal stressed that it will also help to stimulate investment potential in the state in aquaculture.
The Commissioner said that over 3,000 local and international tourists were expected to attend the food festival.
"The event will offer the state's fisher folks the opportunities to interact with tourists and fun seekers to enjoy and savour fresh seafoods in Lagos waters. Apart from the display of sea foods, the festival will also feature cooking competition and would offer culinary services," he said.
