Produce for Lagos Launches With ₦500bn Boost

Lagos State unveils Produce for Lagos with a ₦500bn fund to boost agriculture, cut food loss, and build a secure national food supply chain

In a strategic step to strengthen Nigeria’s food security, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched the Produce for Lagos programme, backed by a ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund.

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The initiative, introduced at the Lagos House in Ikeja on Wednesday, is expected to transform national agricultural production and reduce post-harvest losses.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the programme as a national call to action. He said Lagos consumes over 50 percent of food traded across the South-West, with an annual food economy worth ₦16.14 trillion.

According to him, the Offtake Guarantee Fund will provide working capital for bulk traders, logistics operators, and food producers across Nigeria.

“This programme is not just for Lagos,” he said. “It is a model for sustainable food systems and a major investment in Nigeria’s agricultural future.”

The Produce for Lagos scheme will be implemented through the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company, supported by Special Purpose Vehicles like the Lagos Bulk Trading Company and Eko Logistics.

The programme also introduced a logistics fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks, developed in partnership with the private sector.

Governors from Ogun, Taraba, Niger, and Kogi states attended the launch and pledged their states’ readiness to support the initiative.

They praised the collaboration as a fresh approach to inter-state agricultural integration.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the state was focused on reducing waste and stabilising prices.

“We are working to streamline aggregation and distribution systems. This initiative is built around efficiency, innovation, and access,” she stated.

Federal ministers Bosun Tijani, Idi Maiha, and Doris Aniete also endorsed the programme.

They highlighted the importance of data, livestock development, and financing for building a secure food network.

General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, pledged military support in securing logistics routes and volatile zones.

Private sector leaders including Prince S. J. Samuel of Origin Tech Group reaffirmed their commitment to support the Lagos-led effort and scale its infrastructure nationwide.

Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by urging collaboration among states, investors, and producers.

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“This is more than a programme,” he said. “It is a blueprint for Nigeria’s food future.”