The Lagos State Government has officially launched the ₦500 billion Produce for Lagos initiative, a large-scale agricultural and logistics support programme designed to fix food supply issues and make nutritious food more accessible across the state.
The initiative, a public-private partnership, will be implemented through special purpose vehicles, including the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Eko Logistics, and the Produce for Lagos Fund.
These vehicles will offer credit support for food producers, working capital for bulk traders, and logistics financing for transporters, thereby boosting productivity and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Speaking at the launch held at the Lagos House in Alausa on Wednesday, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa hailed the move as “a transformative step towards making agriculture a cornerstone of Lagos’ economic prosperity.”
“The Lagos State House of Assembly is fully committed to this vision, which will help to harness the infinite potential of our arable land and transform agriculture into the cornerstone of Lagos State’s economic prosperity. We believe that agriculture has the potential to be a potent driver of food security, job creation, and economic diversification in our state,” the Speaker said.
Obasa assured reporters that the House of Assembly remains committed to backing agriculture-related bills and will fast-track the Food Hub Bill, which aims to formalise market operations and ease the burden on informal traders.
He also emphasised the consistent support the Assembly has provided over the years in terms of policy and legislative efforts to drive investment, innovation, and inclusivity in the agricultural space.
“We know that the ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative being launched today will go further to address food insecurity and ensure long-term access to affordable, nutritious food across the State,” he added.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, delivering the keynote address at the launch, described the programme as: “a watershed moment in our shared commitment to achieving food security, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable growth not just for Lagos State but for Nigeria.”
He explained that the programme will offer guaranteed offtake contracts, accessible financing, and logistics support for stakeholders within the food value chain, connecting them directly to the needs of Lagos’ growing population.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, stated that the Produce for Lagos programme is designed to function as a large-scale offtake system that promotes inter-state collaboration and encourages private sector investment in Lagos’ food economy.
“The ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative represents our commitment to building resilient, sustainable food systems by leveraging inter-state collaboration and private sector investment,” she said.
Notable figures attended this event , including the Governors of Kogi, Ogun, Niger, and Plateau States; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Michael Deleen; and business mogul Tony Elumelu, who made a ₦25 billion donation in support of the initiative.
