Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched a ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund under the Produce for Lagos initiative, aimed at tackling food insecurity, reducing post-harvest losses, and empowering farmers nationwide.
At the high-level event held at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, governors from Ogun, Taraba, Niger, Kogi, Ondo, and other states signed partnership agreements with Governor Sanwo-Olu, pledging interstate collaboration to ramp up agricultural production and ensure stable food supply to Lagos — Nigeria’s largest consumer market.
The Offtake Guarantee Fund, backed by private sector support, is designed to provide structured markets for producers, strengthen logistics, and reduce wastage within the food ecosystem. It is a flagship project of the Lagos State Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos consumes nearly 50 percent of the food produced in the South-West, yet faces massive losses due to inadequate storage and poor transportation.
“This initiative guarantees that farmers can produce without fear of losses, knowing there’s a structured market. It’s about access to food, logistics, jobs, and economic empowerment,” he stated.
In a bid to improve food transportation, over 150 LNG-powered 40-foot trucks were unveiled, financed through private sector partnerships. These trucks are expected to boost food delivery efficiency and sustainability.
During the event, selected farmers also received cheques as part of the initial disbursement under the Offtake Guarantee Fund.
Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar-Maiha, lauded the initiative, affirming that the livestock sector would align with the programme to ensure a steady supply of animal products.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, called for the establishment of ranches as a solution to farmer-herder conflicts and pledged military support, stressing that food security is an essential part of national stability.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, described the fund as “a bold sovereign framework” that will empower stakeholders across the food value chain — from farm to table.
Other dignitaries included Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Governor Muhammad Bago of Niger, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi, Deputy Governor of Ondo Dr Olayide Adelami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of State for Finance Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, as well as representatives from the diplomatic corps, agribusiness sector, and farming communities.
Despite its limited landmass, Lagos plays a central role in Nigeria’s food economy. These strategic partnership agreements are expected to drive regional cooperation, promote food affordability, and enhance national food security.