Lagos State has restated its commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through the adoption of data-driven farming practices and tackling the threat of Antimicrobial Resistance.
This was made known on Wednesday at the stakeholders’ meeting organised by Rid Labs, tagged “All Farmers Business Meeting (AFBM 2.0),” held at the Golden Kharis Event Centre, Ikorodu.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu, commended the organisers for creating a platform where farmers, agripreneurs, scientists, regulators, and investors can come together to exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions for growth in agriculture.
Audu, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Fisheries Department, Olorunfemi Oniyide, spoke on the theme “Numbers Don’t Lie: Turning Farm Data into Profits.” He noted that the future of agriculture depends on facts, figures, and analytics rather than guesswork. According to him, using accurate data reduces losses, improves productivity, strengthens agribusinesses, and secures greater profitability for farmers.
Highlighting the challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance in agriculture, Audu cautioned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture. He explained that the effects, which include rising mortality in poultry and fish, failed treatments, and increased production costs, threaten both the economy and public health.
He assured participants that the Ministry is committed to encouraging proper diagnosis and responsible use of veterinary medicines. He added that the government will continue to drive continuous capacity building for farmers and professionals while developing policies that safeguard farm profitability and protect public health.
Reiterating the government’s support for farmers, he said Lagos State would continue to strengthen food systems, drive agricultural innovation, and ensure food security for residents. He urged stakeholders to ensure that the knowledge shared during the meeting is translated into practical outcomes that benefit farmers, the economy, and the nation.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive and Business Head of Rid Lab, Femi Dairo, said the organisation is focused on addressing the challenge of indiscriminate drug use in livestock by promoting diagnosis before treatment. He explained that many farmers rely on guesswork or inaccurate data when treating their animals, which often leads to the wrong use of drugs without proper tests.
He warned that this practice worsens animal diseases, increases losses, wastes resources, and contributes to antimicrobial resistance. In his words, “Rid Lab is working to change this culture by showing farmers that science-driven farming is not a burden, but the gateway to profitability and sustainability. If profit alone were the objective, Rid Lab would simply provide quick drug solutions without demanding proper tests. Instead, the laboratory chose the more difficult but rewarding path of accurate diagnosis. By removing guesswork and relying on scientific data, farmers can protect their animals, reduce unnecessary drug use, preserve the potency of antibiotics, and achieve measurable results.”
He added that farms that abandoned guesswork in favour of evidence-based treatment recorded higher survival rates for their livestock and greater returns on investment. Dairo stressed that with accurate data guiding treatment, the livestock industry can reduce waste, improve productivity, and ensure sustainability in the long term.
He assured the stakeholders that Rid Lab would continue to provide accurate diagnoses for farmers, scientific evidence for regulators, and sustainable solutions for agribusiness stakeholders. According to him, these measures are aimed at securing a profitable livestock sector and safeguarding public health.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of Rid Lab, Adewunmi Dairo, explained that the theme “Numbers Don’t Lie: Turning Farm Data into Profit” highlights the future of agriculture, where decisions must be guided by facts and evidence instead of assumptions. She noted that data is more than figures on paper, describing it as a tool that helps farmers achieve sustainability, growth, and profitability.
She acknowledged the support of government, regulators, partners in the pharmaceutical industry, sponsors, and industry associations, saying their policies and innovations are vital to food safety, public health, and the overall progress of the farming community.
She further said that AFBM 2.0 represents a movement that proves farming is not guesswork but a serious business. With data as power in the hands of farmers, she said the agricultural sector can achieve food security, guarantee profitability, and build prosperity for all stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by livestock farmers and other important players in the agricultural industry who discussed strategies to boost agribusiness and ensure a sustainable farming future in Lagos State.