The Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA) has partnered with Bilsha Nigeria Limited to establish a 100-hectare Fish Industrial Hub in Bayelsa under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Public-Private Partnership aimed at boosting industrialisation, food security, job creation and the blue economy.
Key Highlights
NDBDA partners Bilsha Nigeria Ltd. to develop a 100-hectare Fish Industrial Hub in Bayelsa.
Project will be executed under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.
Industrial hub to feature fish processing plants, cold storage, logistics facilities and a modern trawling jetty.
Initiative expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Bayelsa Government and Nembe Kingdom pledge support for speedy implementation.
NDBDA seeks swift issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy to commence construction.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDBDA, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with officials of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Bilsha Nigeria Limited and representatives of the Nembe Kingdom.
Amgbare revealed that discussions on the project commenced in August 2024 and have progressed through feasibility studies, survey planning and the inauguration of a Joint Technical Team.
He explained that the BOT model was adopted to ensure transparency, technology transfer and the long-term sustainability of the project.
According to him, acquisition of the project site has positioned the initiative to attract international investors and facilitate immediate mobilisation once statutory approvals are completed.
He noted that the host community has already completed beaconing and technical mapping of the 100-hectare site, while the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) remains the final requirement before construction begins.
The proposed industrial hub will include a modern fish trawling jetty, vessel maintenance slipway, fish processing and packaging facilities, cold storage infrastructure and an integrated logistics network.
Other planned facilities include carton and nylon manufacturing plants, smart residential housing for workers, truck parks and comprehensive distribution services.
Amgbare said the project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities across fishing, fish processing, logistics, manufacturing, administration and security.
He added that apprenticeship and technical training programmes would equip local youths with skills in marine operations, manufacturing and logistics while strengthening local capacity.
The NDBDA boss further stated that the project would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish, conserve foreign exchange, promote non-oil exports and contribute significantly to national economic growth.
“We are seeking the Bayelsa State Government’s support to fast-track the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for immediate project take-off,” Amgbare said.
Head of Public-Private Partnership at NDBDA, Dr. Sandra Tamuno, described the project as a major shift from resource extraction to industrial production and value addition.
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She noted that the initiative would improve affordable protein supply, create sustainable jobs for young people and position the Niger Delta as a leading hub for blue economy investments and manufacturing.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to partnering with NDBDA, noting that the project aligns with Governor Douye Diri’s vision of harnessing Bayelsa’s vast marine resources to drive economic growth.
Managing Director of Bilsha Nigeria Limited, Maj. Bilyaminu Musa Mohammed (Rtd.), disclosed that funding has already been secured and assured stakeholders that the company is ready to commence construction once all approvals are obtained.
Speaking on behalf of the Mingi of Nembe, King Edmund Daukoru, Chief Jude Pulemote confirmed that the community had completed the survey of the proposed site and pledged to make additional land available if required for future expansion.
