Sanwo-Olu unveils five-point food security strategy for Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a five-point food security strategy aimed at accelerating growth in the state’s agricultural sector.

The strategy focuses on technology, interstate partnerships, investment in farmers, reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage, and promoting food affordability, nutrition and sustainability.

Speaking at the grand finale of the World Food Day celebration at the Police College, Ikeja, the governor, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat, said food security in Lagos would depend on production efficiency rather than expanding farmland.

He noted that despite being Nigeria’s smallest state by landmass, Lagos has a population of more than 22 million people, making efficient food production, sourcing and distribution essential.

“Lagos is Nigeria’s smallest state by landmass, yet it is home to over 22 million people. We cannot achieve food security by expanding farmland. We achieve it by producing more on the land we have, sourcing efficiently from partner states, processing more of what we consume, and moving food from farm to household with less waste.

“This year’s World Food Day theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” highlights the need for new ideas and practical solutions to address hunger and malnutrition. The 16th of October is observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. The day also calls for sustained commitment and decisive action to ensure that everyone has access to adequate, nutritious food. Achieving this requires innovation that goes beyond ideas and research to produce practical results. It must reach the farm, processing center, marketplace, and the kitchen of every household,” he said.

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In what was described as his final World Food Day presentation as governor, Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to local farmers for their resilience in the face of rising costs and climate uncertainties. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to their welfare and future.

He urged stakeholders to develop strong and sustainable food systems capable of ensuring that all residents have access to safe, nutritious and affordable food.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, highlighted structural reforms and infrastructure projects undertaken by the state government over the years.

Reflecting on the past seven and a half years of the Sanwo-Olu administration, Olusanya said the ministry had been rebranded as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, with new departments established to focus on livestock, produce safety and mechanisation.

She listed the major achievements to include the operationalisation of the Lagos Rice Mill, development of the Central Food Logistics Hub, expansion of middle-level markets, establishment of fresh dairy feedlot projects and creation of the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence.

Olusanya added that more than 100,000 people had received training through initiatives such as the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project and the Butchers Academy.

She said residents had also benefited from the Ounje Eko food discount markets and school agricultural laboratories.

The commissioner expressed confidence that the incoming administration would integrate its plans into the state’s ongoing food systems framework.

Earlier, the Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, identified youth engagement and education as critical pillars of regional food security.

He said building a sustainable food system required collaboration among government, farmers, private investors, educational institutions and development partners.

Other stakeholders at the event commended the state government’s agricultural initiatives, saying they had supported farmers and helped create an enabling environment for improved food production and sufficiency in Lagos.