LASG To Launch 500M On Domestic Foods

By Mohammed Adekola

Lagos state government has disclosed plans to launch a N500 million intervention fund aimed at providing affordable, domestic food sufficiency for its over 23 million residents.

Ounje Eko market pilot scheme was introduced in mid-March 2024, when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered that food products at the market be sold at discounted prices in all five divisions of the state to cushion the effects of the escalating food prices and skyrocketing inflation.

Its initial phase, which held across its 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state on Saturdays and Sundays, saw residents enjoyed a 25 per cent discount on a variety of food items, including rice, beans, Garri, bread, eggs and tomatoes, among other items. The intervention programme is being implemented in collaboration with the private sector and stakeholders to also ensure fair product pricing for end users.
Giving hint of the planned intervention last Thursday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Bisola Olusanya, who addressed a packed audience in Alausa, Ikeja, said the government would support farmers by providing a 25 percent subsidy on their production for dedicated markets.

Olusanya noted that, ‘as you may recall, the Ounje Eko Discount Market was introduced as a response to the significant rise in inflation and its effect on the affordability of essential food items for Lagos residents.
‘This initiative, which provides a 25 per cent discount on key food commodities, has been widely accepted by the general public and has successfully provided relief to thousands of households across the state.

‘Through two successful phases, this initiative has demonstrated our government’s unwavering commitment to food security and economic stability for our citizens. Building on this success and recognising the challenges faced by our farmers, we are pleased to introduce the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme (Ounje Eko FSP)  a first
of its kind initiative aimed at supporting agricultural production through a 25 per cent subsidy on animal feeds (poultry and fish), tractorisation services for crop production as well as distribution of bags of fertilizers.

Lagos State Government seeks to provide direct financial relief to farmers through a 25 per cent subsidy on poultry and fish feeds. “Prevent further farm closures and mitigate food insecurity. Strengthen the overall agricultural value chain in Lagos State by supporting farmers from production to market distribution’.
Integration with the Produce for Lagos Initiative and the Central Food Security and Logistics Hub, Olusanya added.

This initiative with a N500 million intervention, is a crucial step in the broader agenda to reduce over-reliance on food imports and strengthen local food production.

‘By empowering local farmers,  Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme aligns with the Produce for Lagos Initiative, which focuses on increasing internal agricultural productivity.

She said this programme will help lay the groundwork for the Lagos State Central Food Security and Logistics Hub, ensuring seamless distribution of agricultural products across the state’.