The Lagos State Government has awarded N150 million to thirty-three young agripreneurs in recognition of their growing influence in shaping the state’s agricultural and food systems. The initiative reflects the state’s broader commitment to food security, economic resilience, and youth-led innovation in one of Nigeria’s most commercially vibrant regions.
At the award ceremony, the government highlighted that Lagos remains the country’s intellectual and economic nerve centre and carries a responsibility that extends beyond its borders. It explained that food security sits at the core of its development priorities and that a stable food system is crucial for economic growth and social stability. The administration added that it is deepening partnerships with private-sector players to improve logistics, strengthen value chains, and expand production capacity across the state.
The government emphasised that Lagos is the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa and must therefore mobilise its population to produce for the country. It noted that agriculture has evolved beyond planting and harvesting and that Lagos is strategically positioned to lead the movement of food from farms to consumers. It reaffirmed that its limited landmass would not restrain its ambitions, citing global examples of nations that used innovation and technology to overcome similar challenges.
Young agripreneurs were encouraged to take ownership of the future of the state’s food systems, with assurances that public funding and innovation-driven programmes such as Produce-for-Lagos and the Guaranteed Uptake Fund would continue to expand. These initiatives are designed to support small producers, stabilise supply chains, and boost the productivity of emerging agricultural enterprises.
The state’s agricultural leadership explained that the Agrinnovation Club was established to serve as a link between young agripreneurs and the government’s long-term food strategy. The club aligns with several flagship initiatives that promote local flavours, food festivals, agripreneurship training, and agricultural scholarship opportunities. Together, these programmes support the Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap launched in 2021, which outlines Lagos’ path toward greater self-sufficiency in safe and wholesome food.
The ministry revealed that young agriculturists in the state have recorded innovative strides, including rooftop farms, waste-to-feed solutions, and digital platforms that connect farmers directly with buyers. It noted that the transformation of Lagos agriculture will be driven not just by large-scale projects but by consistent acts of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving among the youth.
The government reiterated that the creation of the Agrinnovation Club signals Lagos’ determination to build a sustainable agricultural ecosystem shaped by technology, partnership, and active youth participation. Beneficiaries of the N150 million support were encouraged to maximise the opportunity, remain committed to their enterprises, and see themselves as partners in building a food-secure Lagos where agriculture is inclusive, smart, and future-focused.
