Sanwo-Olu declares Food Security core to Lagos transformation

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated that food security remains a central focus of his administration’s development strategy, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s national vision for sustainable economic growth and stability.

Speaking at the Lagos Agri-Innovation Summit 2.0, themed “Thriving Food Systems: Smart Future,” held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, said Lagos should be regarded as a national asset, critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Sanwo-Olu explained that Lagos, as the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa, must leverage innovation, technology, and partnerships to boost productivity across the agricultural value chain.

“Food security is at the heart of Mr. President’s strategy and also central to Lagos State’s development plan. Our goal is to inspire Lagosians to lead Nigeria forward,” he stated.

He noted that despite its limited land resources, Lagos continues to invest in innovation-driven solutions that enhance food production and distribution. Citing global examples, he said technology has enabled agricultural productivity even in dense urban environments.

“With innovation, energy, and determination, Lagos can achieve what once seemed impossible,” Sanwo-Olu added.

According to him, the state government’s initiatives, including the Lagos Aquatic Center for Excellence, logistics upgrades, and enhanced agricultural education, are all designed to create sustainable food systems from production to market delivery.

The Agri-Innovation Summit, he said, serves as a platform for collaboration, competitions, and targeted support for young innovators, driving long-term food security for both Lagos and Nigeria.

“Lagos thrives when we partner together. This summit symbolises our shared commitment to building a food-secure, innovative, and resilient state,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the Lagos Agri-Innovation Club, now in its second year, has grown significantly, bridging young entrepreneurs with the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Olusanya credited Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for their consistent support, which has fostered a youth-led, tech-driven food system.

She said the “Produce for Lagos” Fund, launched earlier in the year, is financing activities across the agricultural value chain, complemented by initiatives such as the Lagos Food Festival and the Lagos Entrepreneurship Programme.

“Our vision is that no child in Lagos goes to bed hungry. We’re empowering young innovators to drive food security through rooftop farming, waste-to-feed projects, and tech-enabled food solutions,” she said.

The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, highlighted the ministry’s role in empowering youths through ICT training, entrepreneurship development, and remote job opportunities. He revealed that the Lagos Agri-Innovation Fund has made available up to ₦150 million for creative agricultural ventures.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, described agriculture as a “strategic enabler” of commerce and food security.

She said with Lagos consuming over 10,000 metric tonnes of food daily, the government is implementing the Lagos Safe Food Systems Transformation Programme to strengthen value chains in rice, aquaculture, poultry, and horticulture.

“The future of food is digital, resilient, and inclusive. Lagos is positioning itself to sustainably feed Africa’s fastest-growing megacity,” Ambrose affirmed.