The Lagos State Government has distributed farm inputs, mechanised equipment, and cash grants to farmers across nine sites under the National Programme for Food Security. In a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday, the distribution took place during the 2025 Farmers’ Field Day/ Appreciation held last Thursday with the theme Transitioning from Simple Tools to Mechanised Equipment.
The ministry explained that the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Aoudu, stressed that Lagos could no longer rely on manual farming methods if it must feed its population of over 20 million people. She said the government was committed to transforming the sector through mechanisation and increasing youth participation in agriculture.
Aoudu said, “This programme is about showing the shift from hand-held tools to mechanised equipment, which is the future of agricultural productivity in Lagos.” Farmers across the NPFS sites received mini-tractors, power tillers, solar-powered sprayers, fish-smoking kilns, poultry and fish feed, deep freezers for artisanal fish processors, and other essential tools meant to support their work.
Beneficiaries also received cash grants to purchase agrochemicals and important inputs. Olusanya noted that about 2,000 farmers would benefit from the intervention, adding that the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s agenda to boost food production and improve livelihoods in farming communities. She encouraged farmers to make proper use of the items, stating that the distribution marked the start of continuous government support.
The Secretary to the Lagos State House Committee on Agriculture, Babatunde Olajide, who represented the chairman, said the committee was ready to give legislative backing to programmes that promote food security. He emphasised the importance of supporting efforts that strengthen the agricultural sector.
The National Coordinator of the NPFS, Suleman Salisu, praised Lagos for expanding its programme sites and implementing the scheme effectively. He said, “Honestly, what Lagos has done is marvellous.” The Head of Operations, Idris Sewu, added that Lagos continued to set the pace in agricultural development as the NPFS recorded strong results through its grassroots-based Agricultural Development Programmes.
The Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Adironke Toju-Tubi, explained that the NPFS, which was launched in 2002 and adopted by Lagos in 2011, was designed to support poor farmers and improve food security. She said the programme had grown from three to 10 sites due to its success and advised beneficiaries to avoid selling the equipment cheaply.
She warned, “My advice is that they should use the equipment well. Some people dispose of government inputs for peanuts. This is meant to improve their lives.”
