LAGOS STATE LAUNCHES 'PRODUCE FOR LAGOS' FOOD INITIATIVE, BACKED WITH N500B OFFTAKE FUND

The Lagos State Government has launched what it calls “Produce for Lagos” programme, with an offtake guaranteed fund of Five Hundred Billion Naira. The state government also rolled out a fleet of one hundred and fifty cold and dry trucks to ensure food gets where it needs to go, safely and efficiently. Governor BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU was joined by brother governors from other APC states, including DAPO ABIODUN of Ogun State, at the launch ceremony yesterday. Governor SANWO-OLU said the initiative is meant to ensure that Lagos, and Nigeria as a whole, become more food secure, self-reliant, and better positioned to grow its agricultural sector in a more lasting way. SANWO-OLU noted that Lagos is the biggest food market in Nigeria, with food economy said to be worth over Sixteen Trillion Naira, adding that residents consume more than half of the food traded in the South-West. He said the “Produce for Lagos” programme is about connecting farmers and producers directly to the Lagos market, with guaranteed offtake, easier access to finance, and real support with logistics. The Governor said that through the programme, food will be grown, jobs created, wastage reduced, and people will receive help to earn a living from agriculture. He said that the programme is being implemented through the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company, the Lagos Bulk Trading Company and the Produce for Lagos Fund.