The Lagos State Government has announced the training of over 100,000 farmers and the empowerment of 151,595 agri-businesses over the past...
The Lagos State Government has announced the training of over 100,000 farmers and the empowerment of 151,595 agri-businesses over the past six years, marking significant strides in its overhaul of the state’s agricultural and food systems.
Ms Abisola Olusanya, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, made this disclosure during a ministerial press briefing on Tuesday in Lagos, highlighting the achievements as part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to creating a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food economy.
“Today, we reflect on the transformative journey of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems under the visionary leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu,” Olusanya stated.
“The government’s mission has been clear: to ensure food security for all Lagosians through a resilient and inclusive food system.”
She outlined that the administration’s approach has been based on four key pillars: domestic food sufficiency, collaborations with upcountry suppliers, the development of food storage and logistics infrastructure, and the establishment of efficient market systems.
“These strategic pillars have translated into tangible results. Over 100,500 farmers and fishermen have been trained in modern agricultural practices, enhancing productivity and improving livelihoods across the state,” she explained.
Olusanya also pointed to one of the administration’s flagship projects, the Imota Rice Mill, as a key contributor to economic growth.
“With a capacity to produce 2.4 million 50kg bags of rice annually, the mill has created 1,500 direct jobs and 254,000 indirect jobs,” she said.
Additionally, the establishment of the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub has begun transforming the state’s food supply chain.
“This hub, equipped with cold and dry storage, a 14,000-capacity abattoir, and a dedicated jetty, is designed to drive down food prices and improve food safety and accessibility,” she elaborated.
The Mid-Level Agro Produce Hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin, has also seen success, facilitating food trade worth over N2.6 billion. Olusanya revealed that further hubs are planned in Ikorodu, Festac Town, and Lekki Phase 1.
A total of 151,595 agri-entrepreneurs have been supported through grants, tools, inputs, and advisory services under various enterprise support initiatives.
Olusanya underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in financing infrastructure development, stating that the Lagos Central Food Systems and Logistics Hub operates under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-and-Transfer model, which ensures both long-term sustainability and private sector efficiency.
“Through strategic planning, robust partnerships, and community engagement, we have laid a solid foundation for a food-secure and economically vibrant Lagos,” she concluded.
“Lagosians should expect more innovation, stronger support systems, and broader inclusion as we continue to push the frontiers of sustainable food security and agribusiness development.”
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