We plan to make agriculture backbone of Lagos’ economy – Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the 2024 World Food Day celebration, reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into the backbone of the state’s economy. With the rebranding of the Ministry of Agriculture into the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the government aims to create a more resilient and secure food system. Sanwo-Olu outlined several initiatives designed to modernize farming, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve food safety, with a clear focus on reducing food prices and boosting revenue.
The Lagos Central Food Security System and Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun is a central part of this vision, set for completion by December 2024. Additionally, the 32-ton/hour Lagos Rice Mill at Imota is positioned to reduce reliance on imported rice while generating over 250,000 jobs. Mechanization is also at the forefront through the Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme, which integrates technology into farming practices across the state.
Lagos is also investing heavily in human capital development, training over 100,000 women and youth in various agricultural value chains and supporting them with infrastructure, inputs, and equipment. The Lagos Agricultural Scholars Programme is another notable initiative, designed to inspire a younger generation to pursue careers in agriculture. On the livestock front, the Cattle Feedlot Project at Igbodu aims to reduce the state’s cattle importation by 50% over the next five years.
Lagos State’s collaboration with the World Bank on projects such as the APPEALS Project and Lagos CARES is further enhancing agricultural productivity and market access, benefiting numerous households.
Source: BusinessDay

Expert Review for Agri-food Stakeholders
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s strategic focus on agriculture marks a transformative shift for Lagos’ economy. The rebranding of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems demonstrates the government’s intent to address agriculture holistically, from production to distribution. This systemic approach aligns with global food security trends, emphasizing mechanization, food safety, and market efficiencies.
Key initiatives like the Lagos Central Food Security Hub and the Imota Rice Mill are critical developments for strengthening Lagos’ agricultural base. By enhancing infrastructure and embracing modern farming technologies, the state is setting a strong foundation for food self-sufficiency, job creation, and economic growth.
The focus on reducing post-harvest losses, a long-standing issue in Nigerian agriculture, is a particularly impactful move. Collaborations with international partners like the World Bank on initiatives such as APPEALS will provide the technical and financial support needed to scale these efforts.
For agri-food stakeholders, these developments offer multiple opportunities. Farmers, agribusiness owners, and investors should align with the state’s mechanization and value chain development programs to maximize benefits. The government’s investment in youth and women across various agricultural value chains also signals a progressive move toward inclusive growth.
However, the success of these initiatives will hinge on effective implementation, monitoring, and ensuring that smallholder farmers and other vulnerable groups are not sidelined in the drive toward large-scale agricultural modernization.