The Federal Government has praised the launch of the Produce for Lagos Programme alongside the introduction of a ₦500 billion Off-Take Guarantee Fund, describing both as key steps in achieving national food security and economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Recall that Sanwo-Olu launched Produce for Lagos Programme, on Wednesday, July 23 2025.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony in Lagos, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, expressed strong support for the initiative. He was represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
In his remarks, Mr Edun stated, “This programme underscores our collective commitment to national food security and exemplifies the transformational power of partnership across levels of government and the private sector.”
He noted that the initiative supports agriculture as a foundational and futuristic pillar of Nigeria’s national development, aligning directly with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister explained that the programme is set to unlock the productive potential of stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. “It will empower farmers, traders, processors, and transporters, while also encouraging inter-state economic solidarity,” he said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strengths, Edun said, “We are blessed with vibrant populations, abundant natural resources, and an entrepreneurial spirit that positions us not as competitors, but as partners with a shared vision of resilient economies, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.”
A central feature of the initiative is the ₦500 billion Off-Take Guarantee Fund. According to the Minister, this funding mechanism offers direct support to farmers, agribusinesses, and investors by reducing investment risks.
“It tells every farmer that their sweat will be matched with sustainability. Every agribusiness that their risks will be reduced. Every investor that agriculture is bankable, investable, and scalable,” Edun stated.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to overhauling the agricultural sector through various initiatives. These include the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Programme (NAGS-AP), and the development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs).
The Minister further mentioned a $1 billion agreement with the Government of Brazil under the Green Imperative Project. This deal is aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural system through the delivery of 10,000 tractors, modern farm tools, and agro-processing equipment.
Commending the vision behind the Produce for Lagos Programme, Edun called for broad-based support. “Let it be a call to action for all stakeholders to join hands in building a future where Lagos feeds itself—and contributes meaningfully to national food sufficiency,” he concluded.
