Key Takeaways
- Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, inaugurated the Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hub at Pen Cinema, Agege
- The hub is part of the state's broader strategy to transform the food system from production to distribution and consumption
- Lagos' food economy is valued at over N16 trillion, with more than 70% of food consumed being produced outside the state
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated the Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hub at Pen Cinema, Agege, as part of the state's efforts to strengthen food security and reduce the cost of food for residents. The hub is designed to bring modern food infrastructure closer to the people and is part of the state's broader strategy to transform the food system from production to distribution and consumption.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the hub represents the state's commitment to addressing the challenges affecting food distribution, including high transportation costs, post-harvest losses, inadequate storage facilities, and price volatility. He also mentioned that the state's food economy is valued at over N16 trillion, with more than 70% of food consumed being produced outside Lagos.
Background and Context
The Lagos State Food Systems Transformation Agenda was launched in 2021 to address the challenges affecting the state's food system. The agenda includes the development of a network of mid-level agro-produce hubs, with the Agege facility being the third in the network. The first hub, the Fresh Food Hub in Mushin, has recorded transactions worth over N4 billion across 228 market days, with over 850 registered vendors and more than 7,000 direct and indirect jobs created.
The state is also developing the Lagos Central Food Systems and Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, which is designed to become the largest food logistics hub in Sub-Saharan Africa when completed. The hub is expected to handle more than 15 million metric tonnes of food annually and service over 1,500 food trucks daily.
Produce for Lagos Programme
The governor also highlighted the Produce for Lagos Programme, launched in July 2025 alongside a N500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund. The programme is designed to shift agriculture from a supply-driven to a demand-driven model by guaranteeing farmers access to markets in Lagos, thereby addressing challenges relating to financing and market access.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that construction was ongoing at Opebi and Bombata, while additional hubs were planned for Ikorodu, Apapa, Festac, and the Lekki axis. The long-term objective is to establish structured food hubs across all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the state.
Training and Capacity Building
Beyond infrastructure, the governor said that more than 125,800 farmers and fishermen had been trained under his administration. He added that over 4,000 youths had been trained through the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, while the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme was operating in more than 440 secondary schools.
Why This Matters
The inauguration of the Mid-Level Agro-Produce Hub at Agege is a significant step towards strengthening food security and enhancing the state's food economy. By reducing transportation costs, improving storage facilities, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the food distribution system, the hub is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Lagos residents, providing them with access to fresh, affordable food and improving the overall quality of life in the state.