By Peter Dansu In a major move to strengthen food security and boost local agriculture, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has offici...
By Peter Dansu
In a major move to strengthen food security and boost local agriculture, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially launched the Produce for Lagos initiative along with a ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund to support farmers, food traders, and the entire agricultural value chain.
The programme, which was unveiled on Wednesday, is a bold step by the Lagos State Government to ensure the state produces more of what it consumes while creating jobs and reducing food wastage.
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Lagos consumes more than half of all the food traded in the South-West and has a food economy estimated at over ₦16 trillion. “That’s huge,” the governor said. “It tells us two things: the demand is there, and the opportunity to build a strong, local supply chain is there too.”
The Produce for Lagos programme is designed to connect local farmers and food producers directly to the Lagos market. The initiative guarantees offtake for their goods, gives them easier access to financing, and provides real support in terms of logistics.
“This is about growing food, creating jobs, cutting waste, and helping more people earn a living from agriculture,” Sanwo-Olu explained. “We’re taking concrete steps to make Lagos, and Nigeria as a whole, more food secure and more self-reliant.”
To support food transportation and reduce spoilage, the state has also rolled out a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks – the largest of its kind in Nigeria – to ensure that farm produce gets to markets safely and in good condition.
The initiative is not a solo effort by the government. It is being delivered through partnerships with the private sector, including the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company, Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog, and the Produce for Lagos Fund.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund will attract private capital and reduce financial risks for farmers, transporters, and traders. “Good policy is important, but we also know that it takes real funding and strong follow-through to make a real impact,” he said.
The governor extended an open invitation to investors, banks, development agencies, other state governments, and everyone across the food value chain to join hands with Lagos State in building a lasting food system.
“Let us work together to feed Lagos and build a food system that truly lasts,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The Produce for Lagos programme is being hailed as a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, especially at a time when food prices are rising and food insecurity remains a national concern. With Lagos leading the way, the hope is that other states will follow suit in investing heavily in homegrown food systems that empower farmers and ensure steady food supply for millions.
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