Sanwo-Olu calls for global partnerships to scale food security systems
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger global partnerships to transform Nigeria’s food ecosystem, stressing the need for large-scale investments and systemic reforms to achieve sustainable food security.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger global partnerships to transform Nigeria’s food ecosystem, stressing the need for large-scale investments and systemic reforms to achieve sustainable food security.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 11th Agrofood Nigeria Exhibition and Conference held at the Landmark Event Centre,
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said Nigeria has the potential to become a global food powerhouse but continues to suffer major losses due to weak post-harvest systems.
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He disclosed that the country loses between ₦3.5 trillion and ₦5 trillion worth of food annually, largely due to inadequate storage, processing and logistics infrastructure.
Highlighting Lagos’ strategic role, Sanwo-Olu said the state remains Africa’s largest food consumption market, with its food economy growing from ₦6.5 trillion in 2019 to over ₦16 trillion in 2026.
He described Lagos as a prime destination for agro-processing, cold chain development, packaging and food technology investments.
To address existing gaps, the governor outlined key initiatives, including the Lagos Central Food Security and Logistics Hub in Epe, which he described as one of the most ambitious food logistics projects on the continent.
He added that the project would be supported by a network of agro-produce hubs and last-mile delivery outlets aimed at improving distribution, reducing waste and stabilising food prices.
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Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the proposed ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund designed to de-risk agricultural investments, stimulate access to financing and connect farmers directly to Lagos’ large consumer market.
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“We have chosen to stop managing the problem and start fixing the system at scale,” he said.
According to him, Lagos is investing in cold chain logistics, processing facilities, youth agripreneurship, aquaculture, livestock and value addition to ensure agricultural produce translates into economic value.
He urged exhibitors, investors and development partners at the conference to collaborate with the state on long-term, scalable solutions rather than pilot initiatives.
“The future of food security will be driven by efficient systems — from storage to transportation and processing — that reduce losses and improve value,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reducing food waste, creating jobs, improving access to food and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global food economy.
