World Food Day: Sanwo-Olu pledges to make agriculture backbone of Lagos economy

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a major pillar of the state’s economy.

Speaking on Wednesday at the grand finale of the 2024 World Food Day celebration, held at the Police College in Ikeja, the governor highlighted his government’s significant investments in the agricultural sector.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the state’s policies on agriculture are designed with deliberate intention, as demonstrated by the rebranding of the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems. This shift, he explained, allows the government to focus on enhancing food systems management, improving mechanization, ensuring food safety, and reducing food prices.

“We are implementing a Food Systems Transformation Agenda aimed at building a resilient and secure food ecosystem in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This initiative targets reducing post-harvest losses, easing traffic congestion around food markets, and increasing the state’s revenue. A major part of this agenda is the Lagos Central Food Security System and Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, which we plan to complete by December 2024.”

The governor also highlighted the establishment of the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota, which has the capacity to produce 2.4 million bags of rice annually. This facility, he noted, will reduce reliance on imported rice and create over 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the state’s economy.

Sanwo-Olu further emphasized the role of technology in revolutionizing agriculture through the Eko Agro Mechanization Program. The program, launched in collaboration with the private sector, provides farmers with access to mechanization services, while also training over 100,000 women and youth in various agricultural value chains.

“We are committed to supporting farmers with access to necessary inputs, infrastructure, and equipment,” he added. “Through the Lagos Agricultural Scholars Programme, we are inspiring secondary school students to pursue agriculture by equipping them with sustainable farming skills. Additionally, our Cattle Feedlot Project at Igbodu aims to cut Lagos’ cattle imports by 50% over the next five years, providing disease-free, locally sourced beef for the state.”

The governor also pointed to the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE) as a key driver of growth in the aquaculture sector, helping to meet the increasing demand for fish and strengthening the local economy.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the state’s collaboration with the World Bank through projects like the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement, and Livelihood Improvement Support Project (APPEALS) and Lagos CARES has improved infrastructure, enhanced market access, and reduced post-harvest losses for thousands of households.

“Under the ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative, we are identifying production clusters to boost local food production,” the governor said. “We have supported poultry farmers and vegetable growers with the resources they need to increase their yields.”

Earlier, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, reiterated the ministry’s mission to ensure that all Lagosians have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

“Poor nutrition, particularly the lack of essential vitamins and minerals, is the leading cause of immune deficiencies worldwide,” Fashola said. “That’s why we are committed to training both current and aspiring farmers to ensure sustained growth in the sector and increased contributions to the state’s GDP, in line with the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu.”