16th March, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun
As part of the efforts to cushion hardship in the country, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets should commence discounted sales of food items across the five divisions of Lagos effective from Sunday, March 17, 2024.
Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos Commissioner, Information and Strategy announced this in a statement on Friday.
According to the statement, food items including rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper will be available for purchase at 25% discount to residents at the markets.
Omtoso said said a 5kg bag of rice would sell for N5,325 while 1kg goes for N1,065; 5kg bag of Beans – N6,225 while 1kg would sell for N1,245 in the markets that will be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions.
He added that prices of other staple food items will also be made available through various media outlets.
He added that to prevent sharp practices and ensure the foodstuff reaches a large number of Lagosians, a voucher system will be introduced as the pilot scheme kicks off.
In furtherance of this, the Commissioner said independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process.
He added that they will also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.
“Mr. Governor has called on all Lagosians to cooperate with the operators at the various locations, monitor the process, and provide feedback through official channels of the Lagos State Government,” he concluded in the statement.