In a bold move to combat food insecurity and reposition Lagos as a major hub for agricultural trade, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched a N500 billion initiative tagged the Produce-for-Lagos Off-taker Guarantee Fund. This effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce food imports, boost domestic agricultural productivity, and create a reliable supply chain to Nigeria’s most populous state.
The official unveiling took place at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, where Sanwo-Olu was joined by several high-profile guests, including governors from five states and leaders from both the public and private sectors. Among those in attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Umaru Bago (Niger), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olajide Owolabi. Ekiti State was represented by a delegate.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos consumes more than half of the food traded across the Southwest, placing immense pressure on supply chains. He said the state’s food economy, valued at over N6 trillion, suffers a 50% loss in produce due to inadequate storage and inefficient transport logistics.
“It became clear that we must organise our food systems to feed our people well,” the governor stated. “With the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme, we are directly addressing these gaps by enhancing logistics and connecting our dynamic food economy with producers across the country.”
The governor also introduced 150 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered 40-foot trucks under the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company. These trucks, he said, are designed to transport food efficiently across the country and return without refueling—marking a major shift in agricultural logistics.
“This initiative is not just about today’s needs. It’s about building an ecosystem that meets future demands,” Sanwo-Olu added. “We are combining policy with infrastructure and financial models that will endure, ensuring food availability for future generations.”
The project is supported by various special purpose vehicles including the Lagos Bulk Trading Company and private logistics provider Ekolog.
Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), pledged N25 billion in support of the initiative, stating, “The programme will help address unemployment, and UBA is fully committed to being a part of this transformational journey.”
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago also pledged his state’s support by offering 500,000 hectares of farmland exclusively for food production for Lagos.
“When I saw ‘Produce for Lagos,’ I said, no—I am farming for Lagos,” Bago remarked. “This is our way of creating value through partnership.”
The initiative also drew praise from the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who called the project “one of the most visionary food interventions” in recent times.
“This gives farmers value for their produce while ensuring the city builds a resilient food system. This is how we build the Lagos—and Nigeria—of the future,” Tijani noted.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, echoed similar sentiments, commending the Lagos State Government for recognizing the link between food security and national stability. In a statement released through Defence Headquarters, he applauded the collaboration with private and state-level partners, calling it “a timely and strategic intervention.”
The initiative, aligns with the Lagos State Agriculture and Food Systems Roadmap of 2021 and signals a new era of collaborative governance in addressing Nigeria’s food challenges.
