Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated the state’s determination to strengthen national food security by deepening innovation and expanding partnerships with the private sector, emphasizing that Lagos — the largest market in West Africa — must play a leading role in boosting production and reinforcing Nigeria’s food systems.
He made the remarks at the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0 themed ‘Thriving Systems for a Smarter Future.’ Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, the Governor stressed the centrality of innovation to both federal and state development agendas.
He said that, “Innovation is at the heart of the President’s strategy, it’s at the heart of the state’s strategy and we are here to execute and to cause them to focus on this great dream to leap Nigeria forward. We believe in investing and partnering with the private sector in food systems and logistics.
“We believe we are going to stimulate production. Value is always going to be driven by the market and Lagos is the biggest market in West Africa. So, we must pay particular attention to what Lagos does and how we mobilise the people of Lagos to produce for Nigeria.”
Sanwo-Olu explained that with sustained collaboration among the state government, private sector stakeholders, and young innovators, Lagos can deliver large-scale food production that will meaningfully support national food security efforts.
He added that despite its limited landmass, the state continues to promote advancements in agriculture designed to increase food availability. “If the market that determines what value is, if the market that drives how value will be allocated in the value chain, I would like to announce that you are in the right place.
“Like we saw in all the presentations, it’s not just about planting seeds and harvesting seeds, it’s about how those seeds get to the plates from the market.
“And giving Lagos unique positioning in the African continent as the largest food market, we must begin to drive the narrative, stimulate our young people to be creative and to innovate.”
In her address, Abisola Olusanya, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, outlined her hopes for a Lagos where no resident faces hunger and where fresh, affordable produce is readily accessible.
“Where the energy that fills our markets is matched by the creativity of young people who see agriculture not as old-fashioned, but as the next great frontier.
“My vision in leading the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food systems has always been about building a youth-led, resilient and efficient machinery — where young agri-business owners, creators, and thinkers come together to form an ecosystem of innovation and enterprise that transforms how Lagos grows, processes, distributes, and consumes food.
“Because feeding a city of over 24 million people is not the work of one person or one institution — it is the work of a system, a living, breathing network where collaboration replaces competition, where innovation meets opportunity, and where small beginnings grow into lasting impact.
“The Agrinnovation club is pivotal to the “Produce for Lagos” programme, a programme that seeks to strengthen our production base, connect rural producers to urban markets, and ensure that Lagos consumes what Lagos produces. The energy and ingenuity of our youth are central to making that happen,” Olusanya stated.
Keynote speaker Abubakar Sulaimon, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, highlighted Lagos’ unique advantage in the agricultural value chain despite its geographical limitations.
“The greatest value chain in the food systems happens during consumption. The value does not lie in putting seeds on the ground and pulling them out. Lagos serves over 50 million people and that is the real value. The greatest value happens when people touch the food. Agriculture does not end in the farm, it ends on the plate,” Abubakar stated.
