Clarion Olusegun
In a bid to boost food security, create jobs, and drive agricultural productivity across the country, the Lagos State Government recently launched the ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative and a ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund.
At the heart of this bold effort is a strong collaboration with farmers, and the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos chapter, Otunba Femi Oke, has assured full commitment from the association toward its success.
Speaking during an interview with Agronigeria in Lagos, Otunba Oke commended the Lagos State Government for the strategic initiative, emphasizing that it marks a turning point for thousands of smallholder farmers long cut off from access to finance, logistics, and viable market structures.
“This programme will help eliminate the middlemen who exploit farmers. It gives us direct access to the Lagos market and helps stabilize commodity prices. With the support of the Offtake Fund, our members can produce confidently, knowing there’s a guaranteed buyer,” Otunba Oke stated.
Addressing farmers’ core challenges, he stated that the ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative addresses three long-standing challenges in the agricultural sector: market linkage, access to finance, and transportation.
According to him, Lagos, which consumes more than half of all food traded in the South-West and boasts a ₦16 trillion food economy, now offers a reliable market for farmers across the country.
Otunba Oke explained that AFAN is positioned as a key stakeholder in the programme, ensuring that farmers are properly integrated into both the production and offtake processes.
“We are the umbrella body of all farmers, and we are committed to mobilizing and sensitizing our members. Our role is to ensure that no farmer is left behind, especially at the grassroots. We will ensure our farmers are fully keyed into the initiative,” he said.
He also expressed optimism that the fund would have a direct impact on food affordability.
“By removing third-party bottlenecks and giving farmers direct access to capital and the market, prices of produce will reduce, and that will help stabilize food costs for consumers in Lagos and beyond.”
On the issue of insecurity, Otunba Oke acknowledged it as a national and global challenge but urged the government to consider adopting local solutions to secure rural farming communities.
“We’re still clamouring for community-based security, like local vigilante groups. These can help farmers feel safer during planting and harvest seasons. If farmers can’t go to their farms, there will be no food,” he warned.
Agronigeria reported that the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund is structured to de-risk agricultural investment, attract private capital, and build sustainable food systems. It is being implemented through a public-private partnership led by the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company, with support from Ekolog, Lagos Bulk Trading Company, and the Produce for Lagos Fund.
Agronigeria had earlier reported that the launch event also drew commitments from private sector leaders, including Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA and Heirs Holdings, who pledged ₦25 billion toward the initiative.
The presence and support of six other state governors including; Ogun, Ekiti, Niger, Taraba, Kogi, and Kwara which reflected the inter-state collaboration backing the project.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, described the programme as “about real impact—growing food, creating jobs, cutting waste, and ensuring Nigerians can earn a decent living from agriculture.”
With AFAN’s endorsement and grassroots reach, the success of the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme may serve as a model for agricultural reform in Nigeria, empowering smallholder farmers while building a more resilient and affordable food system for millions.
