Lagos Launches Produce for Lagos to Guarantee Farmers Market Access

News in brief:

-Lagos has begun registering farmers under its Produce for Lagos programme, which guarantees market access, reduces food waste, and stabilises prices.

-The initiative also builds partnerships with farmers in other states to strengthen Nigeria’s food supply chain and improve food security.

With more than 24 million mouths to feed, Lagos is Nigeria’s largest food consumer. Every day, thousands of tonnes of rice, vegetables, fish, cassava, poultry, and other staples pour into the state from across the country. Yet, farmers often struggle to sell at fair prices, while consumers battle rising food costs. To tackle this challenge, the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has launched the Produce for Lagos programme, a scheme designed to connect farmers directly to the Lagos market.

Guaranteed Market, Stable Prices

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, explained that the initiative will allow farmers to sell their produce directly to the state under structured agreements. This means farmers will no longer depend solely on open markets where middlemen often dictate prices. Instead, they will have access to a secured, guaranteed market at fair prices.

For farmers, this reduces the risk of losses caused by price fluctuations and post-harvest waste. For consumers, it promises more stable food prices in a city where inflation has made basic staples more expensive.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Food Supply Chain

Olusanya stressed that** the scheme is not limited to farmers within the state. Partnerships will be built with producers in major food-producing states such as Oyo, Ogun, Benue, and Kano. By creating stronger supply chains across Nigeria, Lagos hopes to improve food distribution, ensure consistent supply, and reduce the bottlenecks that lead to scarcity and price hikes.

“Agriculture is about systems and planning,” Olusanya noted. “By registering, farmers will be part of a central database that helps the state plan better, deliver targeted interventions, and provide support services where they are most needed.”

Why Farmers Should Register

The registration process, which has now begun, will give farmers access to:

• A secured Lagos market where produce is bought directly.
• Reduced post-harvest losses since food will be purchased in bulk under structured agreements.
• Better earnings and planning because prices are guaranteed.
• State support services such as inputs, logistics, and extension advice.

Farmers are encouraged to register through the official link or via the Ministry’s platforms. According to the commissioner, more updates and details will be released in the coming weeks.

What it Means for Nigeria’s Agriculture

Agricultural experts have long argued that Nigeria needs to strengthen structured markets and reduce reliance on middlemen to ensure food security. Lagos, with its massive demand, offers a unique opportunity. By guaranteeing farmers a ready market, the programme could incentivise higher production, improve rural incomes, and reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on food imports.

If successfully implemented, Produce for Lagos could become a model for other states, showing how partnerships between government and farmers can balance supply, stabilise prices, and put food security at the centre of development.