Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday introduced a ₦500 billion Uptake Guarantee Fund aimed at improving the state’s food resilience, tackling hunger, and fostering inclusive economic opportunities.
At the launch, the governor said the initiative emerged from the urgent need to redesign Lagos’ food infrastructure in light of challenges exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate impacts, and global supply chain disruptions.
“Our vision is to build a resilient and self-sustaining food system that feeds Lagos now and in the future.
“This fund is a safety net that connects producers to consumers with dignity and efficiency,” he said.
He disclosed that research by the state government indicated Lagos consumes more than half of all food produced in the Southwest, making internal production and efficient distribution a top priority.
“Lagos has a food economy that’s growing for over 60 years, but recent shocks have shown how exposed we are.
“We must now feed our people sustainably, and this fund is the vehicle to get us there,” he added.
As part of reforms, the Ministry of Agriculture was renamed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems to better reflect the multifaceted challenges of food security.
“This is a deliberate move to reflect the human, social, and economic complexities of food security.
“Agriculture is no longer just about farming, it is about jobs, dignity, and survival,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He extended appreciation to federal officials and private sector leaders for backing the programme, noting its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are on the same frontline for food security, and we are working together to ensure Nigeria feeds itself,” he said.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, described the new fund as a pivotal mechanism for improving efficiency across the food supply chain, particularly in transportation and distribution.
“This fund will assure uptakers to buy, give farmers courage to plant, embolden financiers to invest, and reassure Lagosians of access to safe, affordable food,” she said.
She highlighted that the initiative was the result of a strategic planning process that began in 2019 with the development of a five-year roadmap.
One significant component, the Lagos Fresh Hub, aims to cut down post-harvest losses and ensure price stability by streamlining food aggregation and supply.
“Our hubs are not just warehouses; they are bridges connecting rural abundance with city tables,” she said.
She also spoke about youth-focused programmes like the Agri-Innovation Club, the Agri-Preneurship Programme, and the Lagos Food Festival, all of which promote tech-driven agriculture.
Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, hailed the fund as a necessary intervention to combat food insecurity in a collaborative and inclusive manner.
“This landmark initiative aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic resilience and inclusive growth,” she said.
Uzoka-Anite emphasized that the fund will restore confidence across the agricultural value chain and secure livelihoods.
“We are proud to support a framework that brings dignity to food production, secures supply chains, and empowers the real drivers of our economy — the farmers, processors, and traders,” she said.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, also endorsed the initiative, linking food security to national stability.
“A well-fed nation is a safer nation. When communities have food, crime reduces, and peace is more sustainable,” he said.
He recommended investments in ranch development to reduce herder-farmer conflicts.
“Building ranches across states will not only modernise livestock farming but also reduce the friction that often results in violence and displacement,” he added.
Business mogul Tony Elumelu commended the move, saying it could tackle unemployment at the root.
“This initiative will tackle the root causes of joblessness. Agriculture has the power to employ millions if we invest the right way,” Elumelu said.
He announced a ₦25 billion commitment from Heirs Holdings to support the programme.
Notable attendees included ministers, state governors, deputy governors, foreign diplomats, and representatives of farming communities.
