The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems in Lagos State, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, and senior officials of the ministry, has embarked on a strategic roadshow to Benue State in furtherance of the Produce for Lagos Programme.
The delegation toured key food production clusters, warehouses, and aggregation centres across Benue with the goal of forging partnerships to strengthen food supply into Lagos, Nigeria’s largest consumer market.
The Produce for Lagos Programme seeks to bridge the gap between food production and consumption by linking producing states with Lagos, a city of over 20 million people with limited arable land. With Benue widely regarded as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” the initiative offers farmers expanded market access while guaranteeing Lagosians a steady supply of quality produce at more stable prices.
By formalizing such partnerships, Lagos is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food security, and stimulate agribusiness investments. For Benue farmers, the programme presents a structured pathway to scale production and access consistent demand.
This is not the first time Lagos has sought inter-state agricultural collaborations. Past initiatives include partnerships with Kebbi State on rice production, which birthed the popular LAKE Rice, and ongoing engagements with other states for staple food supply. The latest move into Benue signals Lagos’ intent to broaden the scope of such collaborations beyond single commodities to an integrated food systems approach.
Nigeria continues to grapple with food inflation, supply chain inefficiencies, and insecurity affecting farming communities. Programmes like Produce for Lagos could serve as a model for regional food integration, where states leverage their comparative advantages for collective benefit. By connecting urban consumption hubs with rural production belts, the nation can move closer to achieving food self-sufficiency and stabilizing its agricultural economy.
The Lagos delegation’s visit to Benue represents more than just a roadshow—it underscores a deliberate push toward sustainable food partnerships. If effectively implemented, the Produce for Lagos Programme will not only secure the city’s food needs but also empower rural farmers, reduce waste, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural resilience.
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