Sanwo-Olu Unites Governors and Tony Elumelu for N500bn Lagos Food Security Drive

Sanwo-Olu Unites Governors and Tony Elumelu for N500bn Lagos Food Security Drive

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Sanwo-Olu launches N500bn ‘Produce-for-Lagos’ fund to boost food security

The Lagos State Government has launched the N500bn Produce-for-Lagos Off-taker Guarantee Fund, an ambitious programme aimed at enhancing food production, reducing imports, and improving agricultural infrastructure in Nigeria. The unveiling ceremony, which took place at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with partner states.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Umaru Bago (Niger), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba). The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olajide Owolabi, represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, was represented. Federal officials present included Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy), Wale Edun (Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy), Doris Aniete (Minister of State for Finance), Idi Maiha (Minister of Livestock), and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa... Read complete content click link below

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Sanwo-Olu also commissioned 150 CNG-powered 40-foot logistics trucks designed to facilitate the smooth movement of food products in and out of Lagos. According to him, Lagos consumes over 50% of food traded in the Southwest but loses nearly 50% due to poor storage and transportation systems.

“Our N6 trillion food economy requires a structured system to prevent waste. The ‘Produce-for-Lagos’ programme, supported by key Special Purpose Vehicles like Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog, and the Produce for Lagos Fund, will connect farmers directly to the Lagos market,” Sanwo-Olu explained.

The governor emphasized that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating, “We are building an agricultural ecosystem that will outlive us, supported by data-driven policies and infrastructure.”

During a fundraising session, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA, pledged ₦25bn to support the initiative. He noted that the programme would create employment opportunities, particularly for youth. Niger State Governor Umaru Bago also pledged 500,000 hectares of farmland exclusively for Lagos-bound food production.

Bosun Tijani described the initiative as one of the most visionary food interventions in Nigeria, while Gen Musa praised its strategic alignment with the Lagos State Agriculture and Food System Roadmap 2021, emphasizing its importance to national security.

The programme is expected to significantly boost food availability, create a resilient agricultural system, and position Lagos as the leading hub for food logistics and supply in Nigeria.

Source: Punch NG

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