Lagos strengthens food security with ₦500bn offtake guarantee fund
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food security through investments across the agricultural value chain, including local production, processing, storage and distribution, to improve food availability and affordability.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this during the Lagos Food Systems Nexus 2026, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, where stakeholders discussed strategies for building a stronger and more reliable food system in the state.
Sanwo-Olu noted that food security in Lagos required more than increased agricultural production, given the state’s high food demand, stressing the need for effective coordination of processing, storage, transportation, distribution and access to markets.
He said the state had invested in several initiatives to strengthen the food value chain, including the Imota Rice Mill, fresh food hubs, Ounje Eko, farmers’ support programmes and the Produce for Lagos initiative.
The governor also highlighted the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, which is designed to create economic opportunities for farmers, traders, transporters and investors while connecting local producers to the Lagos market.
According to him, the interventions are aimed at strengthening different segments of the agricultural sector, ensuring that increased local production is supported by efficient storage, transportation and distribution networks.
He added that the government’s priority was to translate its investments in the food system into tangible benefits for residents, particularly by improving the availability and affordability of food for households.
Sanwo-Olu maintained that strengthening the food value chain remained essential to improving residents’ living conditions and supporting Lagos State’s broader economic growth.
