In a significant move aimed at securing a consistent flow of agricultural produce to meet consumer needs, the Lagos State government entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Niger State on Wednesday.
Dubbed the “Produce for Lagos Initiative,” the agreement entails Niger State leveraging the vast Lagos market by focusing on the production of agricultural goods to fulfill consumer demands. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his counterpart from Niger State, Umar Mohammed Bago, formalized the agreement on behalf of their respective states.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of the partnership, highlighting the unique opportunity for citizens of both states to benefit from the collaboration. He underscored the strategic fit between Lagos, the smallest state in terms of landmass, and Niger, the largest, in seeking opportunities for mutual prosperity.
Umar Mohammed Bago echoed Sanwo-Olu’s sentiments, labeling the agreement as a “landmark” pact. He emphasized the complementary strengths of both states, with Lagos serving as the largest consumer of agricultural resources due to its population, while Niger boasts the largest agricultural land. Bago emphasized the alignment of the MoU with the national agenda for food security, championed by the President.
The Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State, Abisola Olusanya, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to ensure stable prices and food availability. She characterized the collaboration as a symbiotic relationship, where production meets market demand, leading to enhanced profitability for farmers and satisfaction for consumers.
With the agreement in place, agricultural commodities such as rice, tubers, beans, legumes, maize, and grains will be produced in Niger State and supplied to Lagos markets, bolstering the region’s food security efforts.
