Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled the Produce for Lagos initiative alongside a ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, signaling a bold move by his administration to tackle food insecurity, reduce dependency on imports, and transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
The programme, launched at Lagos House in Ikeja, is a strategic collaboration between the Lagos State Government and private sector players, designed to connect farmers across the country directly to Lagos the country’s largest food market.
“Lagos consumes over 50% of the food traded in the South-West, with a food economy worth more than ₦16.14 trillion,” Sanwo-Olu said during the launch. “This programme reflects our vision to achieve food security, drive inclusive prosperity, and ensure sustainable growth both for Lagos and for Nigeria.”
Building a Robust Agricultural Ecosystem
The Produce for Lagos initiative aims to offer guaranteed offtake contracts, access to financing, and logistical support to food producers nationwide. Central to this strategy is the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, which the governor described not as a subsidy, but as an investment vehicle intended to catalyze private capital and reduce risk across the food value chain.
“This fund will provide working capital to bulk food traders, finance logistics operators, and offer credit support to food producers,” Sanwo-Olu said. “It is part of a new agricultural ecosystem that combines policy, financing, infrastructure, and data.”
To support the distribution of food across Lagos, the governor also announced the deployment of 150 cold and dry chain trucks the largest of such a fleet in Nigeria through a public-private partnership.
Coordinated Implementation Through New Agencies
The project will be implemented through the newly established Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), alongside key special purpose vehicles including the Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog (Eko Logistics), and the Produce for Lagos Fund.
Sanwo-Olu called on other state governments, financial institutions, and international development partners to join forces. “Let us rise together to feed this nation sustainably. This is about collaboration, not competition.”
States, Ministers, Military Rally Behind Lagos
Several state governors including Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Usman Ododo (Kogi) praised Lagos for leading the charge on food security. They pledged support and expressed readiness to partner with Lagos based on their states’ comparative agricultural advantages.
Federal ministers also applauded the programme. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha; and Minister of State for Finance, Doris Aniete, described it as a model for intergovernmental collaboration and innovation in food systems.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria were ready to support the programme, which he said “would significantly reduce hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria.”
Strategic Support to Cut Waste, Stabilize Prices
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the programme will reduce post-harvest losses, stabilise food prices, and streamline urban food logistics. She highlighted the state’s other agri-initiatives, such as the Lagos Food Festival, Agriculture Scholars Programme, and Innovation Club, aimed at nurturing agri-entrepreneurs.
Chairman of Origin Tech Group S. J. Samuel, echoed strong private sector support, calling for even deeper public-private partnerships. “This is a turning point. The private sector stands ready to work with Lagos in delivering food security for the entire nation.”
