Lagos seeks investors’ support to deepen food systems transformation
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to modernise its food ecosystem, calling on investors and financial institutions to scale up participation in its agriculture and food systems initiatives. The
- By Zainab Olufemi
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to modernise its food ecosystem, calling on investors and financial institutions to scale up participation in its agriculture and food systems initiatives.
The call was made at the Stanbic Nigeria Business Summit held in Victoria Island, where stakeholders explored opportunities within the state’s food systems transformation agenda.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said Lagos remains one of Africa’s largest food markets, with a population exceeding 22 million and an annual food economy valued at over ₦16 trillion.
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She noted that more than 70 per cent of food consumed in the state is sourced from other parts of the country through inefficient supply chains, resulting in post-harvest losses, price volatility and high logistics costs.
Olusanya said the state has developed strategic interventions under its Food Systems Transformation Agenda to address these challenges and create a more efficient, investment-ready ecosystem.
She highlighted the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub in Ketu-Ereyun, designed to process over 1,500 trucks daily, with integrated storage, processing and distribution facilities.
The commissioner also cited the Imota Rice Mill as a key project, noting that it produces over 2.5 million 50kg bags annually and demonstrates the potential of structured offtake and integrated processing.
According to her, the Produce for Lagos Programme is aimed at linking supply directly to demand, while the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme has trained over 15,000 youths in modern agribusiness practices.
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She added that the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund is helping to de-risk investments, ensure predictable demand and improve the bankability of agribusiness ventures.
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Olusanya stressed that the state is providing the necessary policy support, market access and enabling environment, urging the private sector to contribute financing, innovation and operational expertise.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning Lagos as West Africa’s leading agrifood investment hub capable of driving economic growth, job creation and food security.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, highlighted challenges faced by farmers, including limited access to inputs, inadequate mechanisation, climate-related disruptions and rising production costs.
He said poor rural infrastructure, high transportation costs and weak cold-chain systems continue to hinder efficient movement of food from farms to markets.
Audu, however, noted that collaboration between government, financial institutions and private sector players is helping to address these challenges through investments in logistics, market systems and farmer support initiatives.
He added that these efforts are improving market access, reducing food losses and enabling farmers to scale sustainably within the evolving food system.
