The Lagos State Government, in a significant move to boost food production and security, has entered into a strategic partnership with Niger State. This collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos, focusing on leveraging the comparative advantages of both states to ensure a steady supply of agricultural commodities to consumers.
The initiative, dubbed “Produce for Lagos Initiative,” aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Emergency Food Security Initiative. This initiative aims to cultivate thousands of hectares of land to sustain food production and supply chains, reflecting a long-term strategy between the two states to capitalize on their respective strengths. Lagos, with its organized food market, and Niger, known for its vast agricultural land, are set to work together in this endeavor.
The MoU, signed by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Mallam Umar Mohammed Bago of Niger State, is expected to result in a significant influx of fresh farm produce into Lagos Food Logistics hubs for storage and distribution.
Governor Sanwo-Olu remarked on the partnership, emphasizing the synergy between Lagos’s market demand and Niger’s agricultural capacity. “This is a function of production meeting markets,” he said, highlighting the potential benefits for both states’ citizens.
Governor Bago, on his part, described the agreement as a milestone, noting that Niger State’s willingness to utilize Lagos’s organized market could significantly enhance economic activities in his state. He outlined the mutual benefits: Niger State will produce and process staple food items, while Lagos will provide the market infrastructure to meet consumer demand.
Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture, pointed out the benefits of the arrangement, such as price stability and enhanced output for farmers. She mentioned that the first phase of the Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Park in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, set to open in December, would warehouse the large supplies from Niger State. Until then, existing middle-level hubs will serve as distribution points.
The agreement promises to establish a robust link between production and market, ensuring profitability for farmers, satisfaction for consumers, and a regular income source for middlemen. Key agricultural commodities expected to be produced and transported to Lagos markets include staples like rice, tubers, beans, legumes, maize, and grains.
