Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his commitment to making quality food affordable and accessible in the state during an event held to commemorate the 2023 World Food Day(WFD).
He emphasized that the development of the Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Park in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, is part of the government’s efforts to ensure food affordability. By bringing the food market closer to consumers, the facility aims to reduce food prices.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture with the theme “Water is Life, Water is Food; Leave No One Behind,” aimed to raise awareness about hunger and the importance of healthy diets. Farmers from different areas of Lagos, who received support from the government, participated in the event.
Farmers from various Local Government Areas of Lagos, supported by the State Government through Lagos APPEALS Project, showcased their produce at the Fair. They also offered discounted prices for bulk purchases of their crops.
As the population of the state continues to grow, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the need for collaborative efforts and innovative approaches to sustainably increase agricultural production. This is necessary to meet the rising demand for food while enhancing the efficiency and security of the food supply chain.
According to the Governor, the Food Logistics Hub, set to be completed next year, will serve as a central point for the State’s food supply chain. It aims to streamline the process from farm to market, ensuring that consumers can purchase food at affordable prices. The facility is being designed with long-term storage capabilities to minimize waste and reduce losses.
He said: “It is another year of commemoration of World Food Day. For us in Lagos, it is to celebrate and appreciate our resilient farmers, while also bringing up a conversation on the need to ensure that food is affordable and accessible. It is important to note that the current economic situation has made the prices of food go up, but I believe with deliberate interventions that will bring the market closer to the consumers, we can help to bring down the food prices.
“As part of our efforts, we are currently building the largest Food Logistics Hub in West Africa in addition to middle-level markets we are opening across the State. By this time next year, we would have completed the first phase of the project. The Logistics Food market will be the central hub through which all farm produce will come into Lagos. The facility has cold and dry storages from which food will be supplied to the middle-level markets and where products go to the retail shops.”
According to Sanwo-Olu, the Logistics Hub is an integral component of a comprehensive and integrated plan implemented by his administration to ensure sufficient and adequate food supply. In addition, various initiatives have been put in place to empower farmers and enhance productivity, as well as support the market to make food accessible and affordable for consumers.
The Governor of Lagos acknowledged the limited availability of land in the area but highlighted the city’s success in urban farming, including aquaculture, piggery, fishing, poultry, and vegetable and fruit production. He emphasized his dedication to improving infrastructure and offering incentives to support farmers in meeting the nutritional needs of residents.
