In a landmark move to enhance food availability and strengthen local agricultural value chains, Lagos State has launched the N500 billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ Offtake Guarantee Fund. The strategic initiative is designed to increase food production, improve distribution networks, and reduce reliance on distant sources for the state’s food supply.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially flagged off the ambitious programme in Lagos today, marking a major milestone in the state’s quest for food independence. The event drew key stakeholders in the agriculture sector, investors, and government officials from across Nigeria.
Among the dignitaries present was the Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Engr. Cornelius Adebayo. Speaking at the launch, Adebayo hailed the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention that would reshape the agricultural landscape, not just in Lagos but across Nigeria.
He emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between state and federal agencies in tackling food insecurity. He added that the ‘Produce for Lagos’ model aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s national food security agenda and complements NALDA’s mission of optimizing underutilized land for agricultural productivity.
The N500 billion fund will guarantee offtake of produce from farmers across Nigeria who commit to supplying Lagos-based markets and food hubs. The assurance of market access will encourage more investments in crop and livestock production while reducing post-harvest losses.
According to the state government, the fund will also support logistics infrastructure, storage facilities, and cold-chain systems to preserve freshness from farm to market. This support will reduce food spoilage and maintain fair prices for consumers.
With Lagos consuming over 50% of its food from outside its borders, the new fund is expected to reverse that trend. Governor Sanwo-Olu said the programme would make Lagos more self-reliant while creating economic opportunities for farmers, transporters, and food retailers.
He stressed that food security is a non-negotiable pillar of his administration’s development blueprint. By backing farmers with guaranteed offtake and financial protection, the government hopes to remove key bottlenecks that have long hindered food production and supply.
NALDA’s CEO, Engr. Adebayo, pledged full support from the agency in scaling up production across targeted states. He noted that NALDA would mobilize youth, deploy mechanized farming tools, and offer land access where possible. He also assured stakeholders that the agency would help monitor compliance and facilitate linkages between producers and Lagos-based buyers.
Experts agree that the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme could become a national model if executed properly. It offers a rare blend of public-sector support, private-sector participation, and market-driven outcomes.
The initiative arrives at a time when food inflation has surged and insecurity has disrupted farming in several regions. A stable, locally anchored supply system could mitigate these shocks and provide Nigerians with steady access to fresh and affordable food.
As more states begin to explore similar off-take arrangements, the Lagos example may serve as a blueprint. The launch of this N500 billion fund signals a renewed commitment to sustainable agriculture, economic inclusion, and national food sovereignty.
