In a bold step toward enhancing food security and curbing rising food inflation, the Lagos State Government has realised ₦100 billion for its flagship agricultural initiative, “Produce for Lagos”. The ambitious programme, unveiled by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aims to reposition Lagos as a food-secure state and reduce the state’s reliance on external food sources.
The ₦100 billion raised is part of a broader ₦500 billion Off-take Guarantee Fund designed to ensure stable food supply and agricultural sustainability across the state and beyond. The fund is expected to unlock vast potential within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and drastically reduce post-harvest losses.
“This initiative is more than just food production. It’s about economic empowerment, inter-state collaboration, and long-term sustainability,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated during the unveiling.
Private Sector Commitment
A major boost came from the private sector as business magnate and Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, pledged ₦25 billion towards the initiative. Elumelu described the programme as a visionary response to youth unemployment and food insecurity, urging more stakeholders to contribute.
Inter-State Collaboration
The Lagos government signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with five other Nigerian states Ogun, Niger, Kogi, Taraba, and Ondo. These states have committed significant agricultural resources, including Niger State’s offer of 500,000 hectares of arable farmland, to support the project.
Upgraded Agricultural Logistics
The initiative will also improve agricultural logistics through the deployment of 150 cold and dry trucks. These vehicles, operated by the Lagos Food Security and Logistics Company (LAFSINCO) in partnership with private firms such as Ekolog and Lagos Bulk Trading Company, will ensure efficient transportation of produce while reducing spoilage.
Expected Impact
The “Produce for Lagos” initiative is set to:
- Reduce post-harvest losses by up to 40% in partner states.
- Create over 4 million jobs across Nigeria.
- Cut Lagos’s dependence on food imports by more than 60%.
- Potentially lower food price inflation by 25% annually.
Economic Context
Lagos, with a food economy valued at over ₦16.1 trillion, currently consumes more than half of all food produced in Southwest Nigeria. However, poor storage infrastructure and inefficient logistics result in the loss of nearly half of its food supply. This initiative directly addresses those systemic issues.
A National Model
Experts and stakeholders have lauded the Lagos State Government for creating a scalable, public-private model that could be replicated across Nigeria to achieve national food security goals.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of synergy between states and the private sector in transforming Nigeria’s food landscape, calling the initiative “a long-term investment in the future of Lagos and the nation.”
