In a bold move to reposition Lagos as the epicentre of Nigeria’s food economy, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has launched the Produce for Lagos Programme and a ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund—an ambitious initiative designed to strengthen food security, reduce dependency on imports, and catalyse nationwide agricultural productivity.
Unveiled in Lagos today, the initiative will be implemented through the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), with strategic support from the Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog (Eko Logistics) and the Produce for Lagos Fund.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the programme as a “pragmatic partnership” between government and the private sector, aimed at connecting producers across Nigeria to the vast Lagos food market—valued at over ₦16 trillion annually.
“Lagos is the biggest food market in Nigeria, consuming more than half of what is traded in the South-West,” the Governor noted. “With this initiative, we are offering guaranteed offtake, easier access to finance, support for logistics, and real incentives for farmers and food producers. It’s about growing food, creating jobs, cutting waste and enabling more people to earn a living from agriculture.”
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the ₦500 billion fund is not a subsidy but an investment vehicle to attract private capital, de-risk agricultural operations, and provide working capital for bulk traders, logistics operators, aggregators, and food producers nationwide. He also unveiled a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks—the largest of its kind in the country—to enhance safe and efficient food distribution.
Elumelu Commits ₦25 Billion to Support Lagos Food Security
Chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA, Mr. Tony Elumelu, announced a personal and corporate donation of ₦25 billion to the Produce for Lagos Programme, declaring the initiative a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy and youth employment.
“This will help us tackle joblessness among our youth. We have the land, the people, and the will. Let us work together to make this vision a reality,” Elumelu said, pledging the continued support of UBA, Transcorp Group, Tony Elumelu Foundation, and Heirs Holdings.
Ogun and Kogi States Pledge Strategic Collaboration
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State praised Lagos for taking the lead in strengthening food systems, noting that Ogun had already implemented the Farmers’ Information Management System (FIMS), a digital dashboard capturing data from over 160,000 registered farmers, allowing targeted input distribution and improved food production outcomes.
Meanwhile, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State hailed the initiative as a model of inter-state collaboration, acknowledging Lagos as a long-standing economic partner.
“Kogi produces food; Lagos consumes food. By aligning production with demand, we create market stability, food security, and inclusive growth,” Ododo stated. “Our state leads in cassava and other staple crop production, and we are making bold investments in land preparation, mechanized farming, extension services, and rural infrastructure.”
Ododo commended Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and reaffirmed Kogi’s commitment to contributing to the success of the Produce for Lagos Programme, saying it marks a new era of mutual investment in people, productivity, and prosperity.
A National Vision for Agricultural Transformation
The ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund is expected to serve as a catalyst for long-term investment across the agricultural value chain—from cultivation and aggregation to transportation and retail. The Lagos State Government reiterated that the initiative aligns with broader national goals to ensure food sufficiency, reduce inflation, and build resilience in the agricultural sector.
As Nigeria grapples with inflationary pressures and food supply challenges, the Produce for Lagos Programme stands as a bold and scalable model for other states—reaffirming Lagos State’s position not just as a consumer hub, but as a central force in driving sustainable agricultural transformation across the country.
