Lagos govt reiterates commitment to data-driven agriculture
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a more resilient and profitable agricultural sector through the adoption of data-driven solutions and proactive measures against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Speaking at the All Farmers Business Meeting (AFBM 2.0) in Ikorodu, organised by Rid Labs, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu—represented by Mr. Olorunfemi Oniyide, Deputy Director of Fisheries—said the future of agriculture rests on facts, figures, and analytics rather than guesswork.
Addressing the theme “Numbers Don’t Lie: Turning Farm Data into Profits”, Audu stressed that reliable data enables farmers to reduce losses, improve productivity, strengthen agribusinesses, and secure long-term profitability.
He also highlighted the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in agriculture, cautioning against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in poultry and aquaculture. Such practices, he noted, increase mortality rates, reduce treatment effectiveness, and inflate production costs, while posing a wider public health risk.
Audu assured stakeholders of the state’s commitment to responsible veterinary practices, farmer capacity building, and policy frameworks that protect both farm profitability and consumer health. He further emphasized that the Lagos State Government will continue to invest in innovation, food systems resilience, and agricultural growth to secure food security for residents.
Source: Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
This development reflects Lagos State’s dual focus on technology and sustainability in agriculture. By merging data analytics with biosecurity, the state is laying the foundation for a smarter and safer food system. For stakeholders, several lessons emerge:
- Data-Driven Agriculture as the New Competitive Edge
Farmers who adopt digital tools for tracking productivity, input efficiency, and market trends will enjoy stronger profitability. Lagos is positioning data not just as a support tool but as a profit driver—an approach that could reshape agribusiness competitiveness across Nigeria. - Antimicrobial Resistance as a Food Security Threat
AMR is often overlooked in agricultural discussions, yet it represents a serious economic and health risk. Resistant infections in livestock and fish can cripple value chains, raise costs for farmers, and threaten consumer safety. Lagos’ early warning and preventive policies could become a national model. - Policy and Farmer Education Go Hand in Hand
While technology adoption is key, policies must be matched with farmer capacity building. Training on proper veterinary practices, biosecurity, and the use of farm data ensures that smallholder farmers—who form the bulk of the sector—can apply these innovations sustainably. - Opportunities for Agritech and Health-Tech Partnerships
The emphasis on data analytics and responsible veterinary care opens doors for agritech startups, veterinary diagnostic firms, and digital health providers to collaborate with government and cooperatives, creating new agribusiness opportunities. - Food Systems Resilience Through Innovation
Lagos is demonstrating how to combine agricultural productivity with public health safeguards. This integrated approach strengthens food systems, secures consumer trust, and attracts investment in climate-smart and sustainable agribusiness models.
Conclusion
Lagos State’s push for data-led farming and the fight against AMR signals a shift toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable agriculture. For stakeholders, the message is clear: the future of agribusiness lies in evidence-based decision-making and responsible practices that protect both farmers’ profits and public health.
