Ikeja, Lagos – Abisola Olusanya, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, has announced the launch of the “Ounje Eko” intervention fund, a ₦500 million subsidy program aimed at boosting local food production and reducing food costs for Lagos residents.
Speaking at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja, she stated that the initiative, set to commence on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, will provide financial support to farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and ensure food remains accessible to the state’s estimated 23 million residents.
Beyond direct subsidies, Olusanya emphasized that the program will also focus on strengthening supply chains and improving food distribution across the state. She highlighted that by increasing domestic food production, the government aims to reduce reliance on external sources, stabilize prices, and make essential food items more affordable. The initiative is expected to create a ripple effect, benefiting not just farmers but also consumers and businesses involved in food processing and sales.
The Ounje Eko program is a collaborative effort, not just a government-driven initiative. Olusanya revealed that the state is partnering with private sector stakeholders and key players in the agricultural value chain to maximize the program’s impact. She stressed that these partnerships are essential in driving long-term food security, ensuring fair pricing, and fostering a self-sustaining agricultural system that benefits both producers and consumers in Lagos.
A cornerstone of the intervention is direct support for farmers. The government will be providing a significant 25 percent subsidy on animal feeds, a move expected to significantly reduce operational costs for fish, crop, and poultry farmers. This financial relief, Olusanya believes, will be instrumental in boosting production levels and ensuring a consistent supply of essential food items to Lagos markets.
The support doesn’t stop at feed subsidies. Recognizing the diverse needs of the farming community, the Ounje Eko program also incorporates provisions for tractorization services to aid in crop production. This will be complemented by the distribution of fertilizer bags, empowering farmers with the necessary inputs to maximize yields. Olusanya made it clear that the government is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to empower local farmers.
For poultry, crop, and fish farmers, the initiative offers a lifeline, particularly in the face of recent economic challenges. Olusanya acknowledged the struggles faced by many farmers, including the threat of farm closures. The Ounje Eko program, she asserted, is designed to directly address these challenges, providing the necessary support to sustain existing operations and encourage further growth in the agricultural sector. The commissioner emphasized that the program is not merely a short-term fix but a strategic investment in the long-term food security of Lagos State.
The objectives of the Ounje Eko program are multifaceted. Beyond simply increasing production, the initiative seeks to stabilize and improve existing production levels, guaranteeing a consistent flow of poultry and fish products into the market. Crucially, it aims to prevent further farm closures, safeguarding livelihoods and protecting the state’s agricultural capacity. And, at its core, the program is a powerful tool to mitigate food insecurity, ensuring that all Lagos residents have access to affordable and nutritious food.
Olusanya concluded by situating the Ounje Eko initiative within the broader context of the Lagos State government’s long-term vision for agricultural development. “This initiative is a crucial step in our broader agenda to reduce over-reliance on food imports, strengthen local food production, and enhance the agricultural value chain in Lagos State,” she stated. The program, she believes, is a testament to the government’s commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable food system for the future.