The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has thrown his weight behind the ₦500 billion Produce for Lagos initiative — a bold public-private partnership designed to strengthen food security, tackle supply chain inefficiencies, and expand access to agricultural produce across the state.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the programme’s official launch held at the Lagos House, Alausa, on Wednesday, Obasa described the initiative as a transformative step towards positioning agriculture as a cornerstone of Lagos’ economic prosperity.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly is fully committed to this vision, which harnesses the vast potential of our land and turns agriculture into a potent driver of job creation, food security, and economic diversification,” the Speaker said.
He further noted that the Assembly has, over the years, been proactive in enacting policies and legislation that promote investment, innovation, and inclusivity in the agricultural sector.
“We believe this initiative will directly address food insecurity and ensure long-term access to affordable and nutritious food for all Lagosians,” he added.
Obasa also revealed that the Assembly is expediting work on the proposed Food Hub Bill, which aims to formalise market operations and address the challenges of informal trading within the food distribution system.
The Produce for Lagos initiative is being implemented through special purpose vehicles such as the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Eko Logistics, and the Produce for Lagos Fund. The programme will provide credit support to food producers, and working capital to bulk traders and logistics operators, ensuring a steady and affordable food supply while stimulating private sector investment in agriculture.
In his keynote address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the launch as “a watershed moment in our collective resolve to secure food systems, build inclusive prosperity, and achieve sustainable economic growth for Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.”
He explained that the programme would provide guaranteed offtake contracts, financing access, and logistics support to connect producers and traders directly with the Lagos food market — one of the most dynamic in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, described the initiative as a large-scale intervention designed to stabilise the food supply chain through strategic interstate partnerships and private sector-led investments.
“The Produce for Lagos programme demonstrates our commitment to building resilient and sustainable food systems by leveraging collaboration with other states and unlocking private sector potential,” she said.
Dignitaries at the event included Governors of Kogi, Ogun, Niger, and Plateau States; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Michael Deleen; and UBA Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who announced a ₦25 billion donation in support of the initiative.