Lagos: Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday launched a ?500 billion Uptake Guarantee Fund aimed at transforming the state’s food system, reducing hunger, and boosting inclusive economic opportunities. Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the initiative was borne out of the state’s urgent need to reimagine its food security structure following the vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19, climate change, and global supply disruptions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the vision to build a resilient and self-sustaining food system that can support Lagos both now and in the future. He mentioned the fund as a safety net designed to connect producers to consumers efficiently. A study conducted by the state highlighted that Lagos consumes over 50 percent of the food produced in the Southwest, underscoring the need for internal production and distribution solutions. The governor explained that the food economy in Lagos has been growing for over six decades, but recent challenges have exposed its vulnerabilities, prompting the need for sustainable feeding mechanisms.
Further, Sanwo-Olu announced a restructuring of the state’s governance framework, with the Ministry of Agriculture being renamed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in 2024. This move aims to reflect the human, social, and economic complexities of food security. He expressed gratitude to members of the Federal Executive Council and private sector partners, noting that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, described the fund as a crucial step toward enhancing the state’s food value chain through improved logistics, innovation, and rural-urban market integration. She highlighted the fund’s potential to encourage buying, inspire farmers, attract investment, and reassure Lagosians of access to safe, affordable food. Olusanya also pointed out that the initiative is rooted in planning that began in 2019 with the state’s five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap, and introduced the Lagos Fresh Hub to mitigate post-harvest losses and stabilize food prices.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, praised the intervention as a timely and commendable model for addressing food insecurity through collective action. She noted that the initiative complements President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic resilience and inclusive growth. Uzoka-Anite emphasized the fund’s potential to bolster confidence in the sector, enhance food access, and sustain livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, lauded the state government for the initiative, stressing the importance of food security for national peace and stability. He advocated for investment in ranch development as a sustainable solution to herder-farmer clashes. Business leader Tony Elumelu commended the initiative for its potential to address joblessness and pledged ?25 billion from Heirs Holdings to support the effort.
The launch event saw attendance from dignitaries including the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun; Gov. Muhammad Bago of Niger; Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba; and Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi, among others.
