In a significant move to bolster food security and strengthen the agricultural sector, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the launch of the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme on July 23, 2025, accompanied by a ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund. This initiative is aimed at making Lagos, and Nigeria as a whole, more self-reliant and better positioned for sustainable growth in agriculture.
According to the governor’s statement shared on his X (formerly twitter) handle, Lagos stands as Nigeria’s largest food market, accounting for more than half of the food traded in the South-West, with an impressive food economy valued at over ₦16 trillion. “This is huge,” Sanwo-Olu emphasized, highlighting both the existing demand and the opportunity to establish a robust local supply chain.
The ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme seeks to directly connect farmers and producers to the Lagos market, offering guaranteed offtake, improved access to finance, and logistical support. “It is about growing food, creating jobs, cutting waste, and enabling more individuals to earn a living from agriculture,” the governor stated.
This initiative is a collaborative effort, combining resources from the government and the private sector. It is being implemented through the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company, with key support from the Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog, and the Produce for Lagos Fund. To further enhance the transportation of goods, the state has also introduced a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks—the largest of its kind in the country—ensuring safe and efficient delivery of food products.
Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of not only good policy but also effective funding and execution to create a tangible impact. He extended an invitation to partners, state governments, investors, banks, development agencies, and all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to join forces in this initiative. “Let us work together to feed Lagos and build a food system that truly lasts,” he concluded.
