By Faridat Salifu
The Lagos State Government is making strides in its commitment to achieving 40% food self-sufficiency by 2025, as highlighted by Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, during the Lagos Food Systems Stakeholders’ Breakfast Meeting on January 18, 2024.
Launched in 2021 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap outlines comprehensive initiatives to fortify the state’s agricultural sector.
Key strategies include financial support for agricultural service providers, enhanced rice paddy production, and collaborative efforts with sister states to optimize land resources.
Eight pivotal projects, including the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence and the Green Wall Initiative, underscore the state’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural value chain.
A central objective is bolstering rice paddy production to meet growing demand. Plans to collaborate with neighboring states like Niger and Kebbi showcase a regional approach to enhancing food security.
Infrastructure projects like the Lagos Rice Mill and Central Logistics Hub demonstrate a holistic strategy to fortify the agricultural value chain.
Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, revealed a financial commitment of N50 billion to produce 100,000 tonnes of rice paddy in 2024. Ongoing discussions with other states aim to secure a sustainable supply at reasonable costs.
Mr. Emmanuel Olotu, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, emphasized collective responsibility in shaping the state’s food system.
The roadmap’s comprehensive approach, covering aquaculture, horticulture, livestock production, and agro-processing, aims to transform diverse food sectors to meet increasing demands.
Industry experts commend the Lagos State Government’s proactive stance in addressing food security challenges. Anticipated benefits include job creation, income generation for farmers, and reduced reliance on food imports.
As the roadmap gains momentum, the government’s unwavering commitment becomes a beacon of hope for stakeholders invested in Lagos State’s agricultural development.
The ambitious target of 40% food self-sufficiency by 2025 appears increasingly achievable, heralding a promising future for food production and security in the state.
