The government of Lagos State recently unveiled that transactions worth a total of N918 million have been recorded at the Mushin Fresh Food Agro-Hub since its inception, underlining significant progress in enhancing food systems within the region.
During a media briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the ministry’s newly added sector, Food Systems, and the strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring accessible food supply amidst escalating inflation rates for the populace.
Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers in marketing their products efficiently, the state government established the Lagos State Fresh Food Agro Hub in the Idi-Oro area of Mushin. Spanning across 6,400 square meters of land, the hub features ample parking space of 3,017 square meters to accommodate trailers and vehicles, along with centralized wet and dry storage facilities for bulk purchases.
Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the hub on January 28 with a food fair, marking the official commencement of commercial activities at the site. The hub serves as a central point for the distribution of fresh agricultural produce directly from the source to consumers, with plans set for additional development in 2023.
Moreover, patrons of the hub enjoy a bonus in the form of a 10% discount on purchases ranging from N2,000 to N5,000, enhancing affordability and encouraging consumer engagement at the facility.
Providing valuable insights into the operations at the food hub, Olusanya presented data highlighting the activities and interventions by the state government to address food scarcity, pricing dynamics, and inflation pressures affecting residents.
In particular, the Mushin Food Hub has seen remarkable progress with 339 active vendors serving free of charge, resulting in food transactions exceeding N918 million over a span of 40 operational market days. Noteworthy figures include the sale of over 26,000 kilos of cassava flakes (garri), 18,313 kilos of poultry meat, 180,000 kilos of rice, and 55,000 crates of eggs, underscoring the hub’s significant impact on food distribution in the area.
Furthermore, through the Ounje Eko distribution initiative, the government distributed essential food items like rice, beans, and cassava flakes to local communities, emphasizing the commitment to food security and accessibility for all residents.
Looking ahead, the state government revealed plans to forge partnerships with other states and the private sector to enhance food production and supply chains further. Additionally, urging residents to engage in subsistence farming, the ministry emphasizes the importance of locally grown produce in mitigating high food costs and promoting self-sufficiency.
The ministry’s strategic pillars, including domestic self-sufficiency and database harmonization to support farmers, align with the goal of ensuring food availability and affordability for all Lagos residents.
By collaborating with various states known for agricultural strengths and leveraging private sector resources, the government aims to reduce food prices and enhance market accessibility, fostering a more sustainable and equitable food system across the state.
The recent incorporation of Food Systems into the ministry’s name underscores a broadened focus on the holistic approach to agriculture, recognizing the interconnectedness of various sectors beyond traditional farming practices.
In efforts to maintain transparency and equity in food distribution, the state government ensures that protocols are strictly followed in the allocation and delivery of food palliatives, involving Community Development Associations to uphold accountability and fairness in benefitting communities.
Furthermore, with the imminent arrival of 20 trucks of rice from the Federal Government to alleviate food shortages, the state commits to transparent and efficient distribution practices to address the prevailing food crisis and ensure food security for all residents. Additionally, strategic collaborations are underway to enhance food processing capabilities and storage infrastructure to minimize food wastage and logistical challenges, thereby stabilizing prices and securing food supplies for sustained consumption.
