Lagos State Deputy Governor, Babafemi Hamzat, has outlined the state’s plans to ensure food sufficiency, highlighting partnerships with other states and empowerment programs for farmers.
During his appearance on Channels Television’s Independence Day program, Hamzat revealed that Lagos has arrangements with Osun and Niger states, stating, “We have arrangements with other states in terms of partnership. We have land in Osun State, and we have an agreement with Niger State.”
However, he noted that insurgency has hindered production, saying, “But because of the insurgency, the paddies were not produced enough. So, that’s part of the challenge that we have.”
To address this challenge, Hamzat emphasized training and empowerment programs, particularly for women in agriculture.
“So, for Lagos, our area is training people and empowering the people who get involved in agriculture – a lot of our women across Badagry to Ikorodu,” he said.
The state has also identified areas of competitive advantage, including fisheries and tomato production.
Hamzat explained, “We identified areas where we have a competitive advantage – fisheries, for example, tomato, surprisingly.”
To support these initiatives, Lagos is building a logistics hub in Imota, which Hamzat described as “the biggest in this part of the world.”
This hub will enable the state to track agricultural produce entering the commercial center, streamlining production and distribution.
Hamzat’s comments demonstrate the Lagos State Government’s commitment to food security, leveraging partnerships, empowerment programs, and infrastructure development to achieve this goal.