The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to redefining agriculture as a dynamic engine for growth, inclusion, and sustainability.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at the grand finale of the 2025 World Food Day Celebration, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” held at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu said his administration reaffirmed its collective resolve to work hand in hand for better food systems and a better future for Lagosians. The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, noted that the state government remains committed to ensuring that Lagos stays food secure despite its geographical limitations.
He explained that the government has implemented numerous projects and programmes to tackle hunger, malnutrition, unemployment, and under-employment, while boosting food production and supply systems across the state.
According to him, “Our administration’s dedication is evident in the continuous provision of support for food production, infrastructure, and market systems designed to reduce high food prices and build a sustainable food reserve management structure.”
He further stated that this year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” highlights the urgent need for collaboration among governments, the private sector, development organizations, and communities to transform agrifood systems, promote healthy diets, and protect the environment.
Sanwo-Olu added that the 2025 World Food Day underscores the importance of the government’s shared responsibility to strengthen the state’s food system, serving as a collective call to action against hunger and malnutrition.
“It also marks the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945—a milestone in the global fight against hunger, now observed in over 150 countries through diverse events, dialogues, and outreach programmes,” he said.
He explained that the United Nations defines food security as access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life, adding that it goes beyond food availability to include affordability, accessibility, safety, and cultural acceptability.
The Governor listed major agricultural projects as part of Lagos State’s ongoing food security drive. These include the Lagos State Food Market System Transformation Programme; Lagos State Agricultural and Food System Roadmap (2021–2025); the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub; Mid-Level Agroproduce Hubs; Last-Mile Food Distribution Outlets; and the Produce for Lagos Programme.
Others include the Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme, Agricultural Value Chains Enterprise Activation Programme, Lagos Rice Mill, Imota, Lagos Agrithon 2.0, Eko Last Mile Meat Shops & Butchers Academy, Ounje Eko Farmer Subsidy Programme, Eko Flavour – Junior & Senior, and the Cattle Feedlot Project.
He explained that “The major thrust of the agricultural and food system roadmap is to increase local food production from the present 20 per cent demand to 40 per cent through the implementation of various programmes and initiatives and the development of a 5-year roadmap.”
Sanwo-Olu added that “The roadmap is a strategic document developed by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture with the aim of stimulating private sector participation and investment in the development of agricultural value chains in Lagos State.”
He acknowledged the contributions of farmers and other stakeholders who play vital roles in ensuring food availability in the state. “Our administration recognises the immense efforts, dedication, and contributions of our noble farmers and other value chain actors towards attaining food security in the state,” he said.
The Governor also commended partners such as British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, Stanbic IBTC, Origingroup, Providus Bank, Tropical General Investments Group, farmers, commodity associations, agro-allied organizations, students, and the media for supporting activities to celebrate the day.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, encouraged residents to embrace subsistence farming to help reduce the impact of rising food costs.
Olusanya said, “We urge residents to grow different crops within their homes to cushion the high cost of food items in the state.” She explained that the Lagos State Government has also implemented policies aimed at making agriculture more profitable for stakeholders in different value chains.
“The World Food Day is designated by the United Nations to celebrate all things related to food. But here in Lagos, we choose to honour our farmers, processors, market players, logistics providers, aggregators—in fact, everyone and anyone involved in the food value chain,” the Commissioner said.