Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a key strategy for transforming the agriculture and livestock sector.
According to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the initiative aims to enhance market linkages, strengthen agri-food supply systems, empower youth-led agribusinesses, and support community-based agricultural enterprises.
She explained that recent agreements have focused on strengthening value chains, promoting sustainable livestock production, supporting rice development, and expanding private sector investment in agribusiness and rural livelihoods.
Ms. Olusanya emphasised the vital role of the PPP model in driving innovation, mobilising investment, and improving service delivery across the sector. “Through these partnerships, we are building a more inclusive, resilient, and commercially viable agriculture sector that benefits our farmers and communities,” she stated.
She noted that the government values the contributions of the private sector, youth-led enterprises, and other organisations as essential partners in fostering agricultural growth. The Ministry of Agriculture, she added, will continue to promote partnership approaches across all agricultural sub-sectors while maintaining a supportive policy environment for private sector participation.
Highlighting the state’s strong track record of collaboration with private investors, Ms. Olusanya said Lagos has been “putting in the infrastructure while the private sector has been making investments into the crops and the livestock sector.” She stressed that this model of shared responsibility and investment continues to guide the sector’s expansion.
Since adopting this approach, the state has rolled out several flagship programmes designed to address specific systemic challenges within the agri-food value chain—from production and processing to distribution and consumption.
At the centre of these initiatives is the Food Systems Transformation Agenda, which Ms. Olusanya described as a “three-tiered agro-marketing strategy” involving the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub in Epe, Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hubs, and Last-Mile Food Distribution Outlets.
“This Agenda is our blueprint for overhauling the entire value chain — making food more affordable, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating jobs,” she explained.
She revealed that construction is already underway on several hubs. Phase 1 of the central hub at Ketu-Ereyun in Epe is nearing completion, while additional Mid-Level Hubs at Abijo (Ibeju-Lekki) and Dairy Farm (Agege) are expected to be ready before the end of the year.
“More hubs are under construction in Opebi and Bombata, while other locations in Ikorodu, Lekki, and Festac have been identified for future expansion,” she added.
To further stimulate food production, Ms. Olusanya said the state launched the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme to secure food supplies from both local and out-of-state producers. “Lagos remains the single largest consumer of food in Nigeria. Through structured off-take agreements and a ₦500 billion Guarantee Offtake Fund, we’re giving farmers the confidence to produce without the fear of price volatility,” she noted.
To boost food supply further, she said the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota has been made more responsive to consumer demand. “With an annual output capacity of 2.5 million (50kg) bags of head rice, the mill has empowered over 500 rice farmers, created 2,000 jobs, and is cultivating paddy on over 1,500 hectares of land,” she stated.
Ms. Olusanya also pointed to the Eko Agro Mechanization Programme (EKO AGROMECS) as part of the state’s modern approach to agriculture. The initiative employs a digital platform—similar to ride-hailing apps—to deliver farm machinery to smallholder farmers on demand. “Over 3,000 hectares have been cultivated with over 500 farmers benefiting directly,” she confirmed.
Youth empowerment remains a central pillar of Lagos’ agricultural drive. Through the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP), over 4,400 young people and women have been trained, with 2,000 receiving assets and input support to start their agribusinesses. “We’re not just training them. We’re helping them access land, capital, and mentorship — turning agriculture into a viable career for our youth,” she said.
In secondary schools, the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme (LASP) is transforming how young people perceive agriculture. The initiative integrates students into modern techniques such as hydroponics and aquaponics through Smart Agri Pyramid Systems (SAPs). With 12 demonstration centres established across public and private schools — including correctional facilities — Ms. Olusanya said the programme is “nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious agri-scientists.”
On the livestock front, the state is addressing protein demand and animal health risks through a 750-hectare Cattle Feedlot Project in Igbodu, Epe. The facility aims to produce over 100,000 cattle annually under controlled, hygienic conditions. “It’s about food safety, traceability, and meeting the rising demand for beef in a modern way,” she emphasised.
She further noted that fish farming is receiving a significant boost through the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE) — a public-private venture launched in May 2025. Located in Igbonla, Epe, the facility is projected to produce 50 million fingerlings, 2,000 tonnes of table fish, 20,000 tonnes of processed fish, and 24,000 tonnes of aquafeed annually.
Ms. Olusanya reiterated that Lagos State remains committed to leveraging public-private partnerships as a foundation for sustainable food systems. “Our goal is to make Lagos a leading model of agricultural transformation in Nigeria — one that is inclusive, technology-driven, and future-ready,” she concluded.
