The state government of Delta, Niger has completed construction of two fish feed mills at a total cost of approximately $1.6 million (N574.6 million).

The mills are located in two council areas of the state: Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area and Aliosimi Owanta in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

Mary Iyasere, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the Niger Delta, noted that the two mills have completed the installation of all necessary equipment and are ready for operations. 

According to Mrs. Iyasere, the projects were executed under the Private Public Partnership arrangement, consisting of Out-growers group and cooperatives, private sector investors and government.

“At the time of conception of the two projects, the total cost was N489.5 million excluding VAT,\" she stated. 

“However, the cost of the projects appreciated significantly, as other expenditures, such as clearing of the sites, demurrage, warehousing and handling charges, as well as consultancy fees were not factored into the initial project,\" she added.

The commissioner said that the idea behind the projects was to increase in fish farming among youths.

“Experience has shown in recent times that many youths in the state have taken to fish farming as their source of development and livelihood, hence the resolve to embark on the projects,” she explained.