By Jide Akinseye
The Lagos State Government is accelerating its food systems transformation drive with major investments in agriculture, logistics, and youth agripreneurship, as it moves closer to commissioning what is projected to be Africa’s largest food logistics hub in Epe. The reforms, unveiled at the 2026 ministerial briefing, signal a shift toward an integrated, technology-driven food economy aimed at boosting production, reducing post-harvest losses, and stabilising food prices across the state.
The Lagos State Government has deepened its agricultural transformation agenda with fresh investments and large-scale capacity-building programmes, including the training of more than 25,000 farmers and preparations to commission the first phase of its ambitious food logistics hub in Epe before the end of 2026.
Speaking at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the state is gradually shifting from fragmented agricultural interventions to a coordinated, data-driven food systems economy under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to her, over 25,300 farmers, fisherfolk, processors, traders, women, and youths were trained within the review period, bringing total beneficiaries to over 125,000 under the state’s agricultural empowerment initiatives.
She explained that the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme has continued to equip young people with practical skills in poultry, aquaculture, and crop production, combining mentorship with asset support to enable participants to launch commercial agribusiness ventures.
In the education sector, the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme recorded strong interest, with 442 secondary schools applying. Out of these, 50 schools were selected for hands-on vegetable farming projects, while 12 top-performing schools will receive greenhouse facilities and inputs to enhance school-based agriculture.
On livestock development, Olusanya revealed that the Lagos State Butchers Academy has begun modernising meat processing and hygiene standards, training young butchers and equipping them with containerised meat shops. She added that additional youth cohorts and facilities have been approved for expansion.
A major highlight of the briefing was the progress on infrastructure, particularly the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota, described as Africa’s largest. The facility reportedly produced over 500,000 bags of Eko Rice within the review period, supported by expanded paddy cultivation across key agricultural zones in the state.
Attention also shifted to the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub in Epe, which is expected to handle over 1,500 trucks daily and support the movement of about 1.5 million metric tonnes of food annually upon completion. The hub is projected to become the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, with expectations of reducing post-harvest losses and stabilising food distribution across Lagos.
The state’s Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin, also recorded significant activity, generating over ₦1.2 billion in transactions within 76 market days and creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
New satellite agro-produce hubs are also being developed across Agege, Opebi, Ikorodu, and Bombata, with additional locations planned for Apapa, Festac, and Lekki to strengthen last-mile food distribution.
In aquaculture, construction has begun on the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, designed to produce millions of fingerlings and thousands of tonnes of fish annually, aimed at reducing reliance on imports and boosting domestic supply chains.
The Commissioner further disclosed that 66,949 beneficiaries have received various forms of agricultural support under state and federal partnership programmes, including subsidies, grants, and advisory services.
She reaffirmed that Lagos remains committed to building a resilient, technology-driven food system capable of ensuring food security, stabilising prices, and positioning the state as a leading agricultural hub in Africa.
