The Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State, Ms. Abisola Olusanya has announced a strategic partnership with Kwara, Niger, and 20 other states as part of efforts to bolster President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda.
Olusanya made the disclosure during a meeting with her counterparts from Kwara and Niger states at her office in Alausa noting that the initiative aims to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland nationwide to produce staple crops like maize, rice, and wheat.
Lagos State identified 25 states for collaboration, prioritizing Kwara and Niger for the initial phase. The partnership focuses on enhancing food production, distribution, and minimizing wastage in alignment with Tinubu’s vision.
However, Olusanya presented a drafted Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the commissioners for review, emphasizing the need for collective input to ensure project success.
Highlighting Lagos State’s commitment to food security, Olusanya cited ongoing agricultural projects such as the Central Food Logistic Hub, Middle level Agro Produce Food Hub, and the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota, among others. She stressed the state’s aim to double food production within five years.
The partnership’s launch with Niger and Kwara states underscores their vast agricultural potential. Olusanya lauded the governors’ shared vision and expressed optimism about expanding collaboration nationwide.
The collaboration transcends specific food items, aiming to meet diverse consumer needs in Lagos. Olusanya assured the quality-conscious Lagos market would readily embrace certified products from partner states.
In response, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture, emphasized the partnership’s significance in bridging gaps, empowering farmers, and ensuring food security.
Mr. Suleman Takuma, Niger State Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, hailed the partnership as pivotal for the state’s agricultural transformation agenda. He highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial trade between Niger’s abundance and Lagos’ demand.
The partnership signals a promising step towards realizing sustainable agricultural development and enhancing food security across Nigeria.