No fewer than 151,595 agric businesses have enjoyed support by the Lagos State Government.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said the state had empowered 100,000 farmers and 151,595 agri-businesses in six years from 2019 till date.
Ms Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this at the Ministerial Press Briefing on Tuesday in Lagos. Olusanya said the ministry had recorded a lot of achievements under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Today, we reflect on the transformative journey of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in the past six years,
“The government’s mission has been clear, that’s to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food system that ensures food security for all Lagosians.
“This mission is anchored on a four-pronged strategy which includes domestic sufficiency, upcountry partnerships, development of food storage and logistics capabilities and development of market infrastructure and systems.
“These strategic pillars have translated into tangible achievements across six key areas, training and capacity building where over 100,500 farmers and fishermen have been trained in modern agricultural practices, enhancing productivity and livelihoods,” Olusanya said.
She also noted that the state government in 2023 stepped up agricultural infrastructure development with the inauguration of the Imota Rice Mill.
“With a capacity of producing 2.4 million 50kg bags of rice annually, creating 1,500 direct jobs and 254,000 indirect jobs.
“We have also set up the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub, a flagship project by the Lagos State Government to modernise and secure the state’s food distribution ecosystem.
“Lagos residents can anticipate an impactful reduction in food prices due to integrated facilities like cold and dry storage, a 14,000-capacity abattoir, and a jetty for streamlined goods transportation.
“Also, among the infrastructure provided by the state government in the sector, is the establishment of Middle Level Agro-Produce Hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin, where food valued at N2, 641,709,989 have been traded.
“Also, some sites identified for three additional Mid-Level Hubs are Ikorodu, Festac Town and Lekki Phase 1,” she said.
Speaking on financing agribusiness and agriprenuers in the state, she noted that about 151,595 agribusinesses had been empowered in the past six years.
“In Agric. Financing and Enterprise Support by the state government, 151,595 agri-businesses have received support through grants, inputs, tools, and advisory services, enabling them to scale sustainably.
“The commissioner also harped on the government’s Public-Private Partnerships and collaborations, which includes the Lagos Central Food Systems and Logistics Hub.
“The hub is a project is structured under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-and-Transfer model, which encourages private sector participation while ensuring the long-term sustainability and professional management of the facility,” the commissioner said.
She avowed the state government’s commitment in ensuring food security.
“The strides made in the past six years underscore our unwavering commitment to transforming Lagos State’s agricultural landscape.
“Through strategic planning, robust partnerships, and community engagement, we have laid a solid foundation for a food-secure and economically vibrant Lagos.
“As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that no Lagosian is left behind in our journey toward sustainable food systems and economic prosperity,”
