The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to food security, affordable food prices and agricultural development, targeting an increase in food self-sufficiency from 20 per cent to 40 per cent.
The announcement was made on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the grand finale of the 2026 World Food Day celebration held at the Nigeria Police College Parade Ground, GRA, Ikeja.
Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat represented Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the event organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems.
Delivering the governor’s keynote address, Hamzat said Lagos must improve agricultural productivity, strengthen partnerships with food-producing states, expand local food processing and reduce post-harvest losses to meet the food needs of its growing population.
He highlighted key initiatives, including the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota, the Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme, the Produce for Lagos Programme and the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub in Epe.
According to him, the state’s Five-Year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap aims to increase food production, improve distribution and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
The deputy governor also disclosed that the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme had trained over 4,400 youths and women, while 5,000 farmers had benefited from the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing food prices and sustaining agricultural development.
Also speaking, Ruth Owojaye of the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation disclosed that the organisation had invested over ₦5 billion in farmer empowerment initiatives.
The celebration, themed “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” brought together farmers, processors, investors and other stakeholders to showcase agricultural products, promote investment and explore opportunities across the food value chain.
The event marked the final World Food Day celebration of the current administration, with a renewed call for sustained commitment to food security and agricultural development in Lagos State.
