Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal made the revelation which speaking at a press conference to herald the 2013 Lagos Seafood Festival.
Lawal who did not mention names of the firms said the Finnish firm had contacted him personally, stressing that they were already working out modalities for the plant, adding that it would boost fish production in the state and narrow the supply-demand gap in fish feeds. Lawal added that a Chinese firm and an American company have in addition signified interests to establish fish processing plants in the state.
He said the interests meant that government’s effort at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the state’s fish industry is yielding result. The commissioner restated commitment of government to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production.
He explained that the Sea Food Festival, which will take off December 6th to herald the Lagos Countdown exercise will showcase the food tourism potential of the state, stressing that it will in addition stimulate investment potential of the state in relation to aquaculture and artisanal fisheries.
Lawal said over 3,000 local and international tourists were being expected at the festival.
“The event will offer the state’s fisher folks the opportunities to interact with tourists and fun seekers to enjoy and savour fresh sea foods in Lagos waters. Apart from the display of sea foods, the festival will also feature cooking competition and would offer culinary services “, he said.
The commissioner said the festival would also feature pepper soup eating competition, adding that the most audacious consumer will win prizes, adding that government is liaising with the appropriate international agencies on how to include the festival in the international tourism calendar.
