The Kogi State Government has said the Food for Lagos partnership between it and Lagos State would further enrich its farmers.
The state also reiterated commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and improving livelihood of farmers through the partnership, aimed at creating a robust food supply chain between Kogi and Lagos state.
This is contained in a statement on Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, who highlighted the strategic steps already taken to actualise the economic potential of the initiative.
Fanwo said that Gov. Ahmed Ododo has begun implementing concrete measures to boost food production, improve infrastructure, and attract high-value investments into the state’s agricultural sector, less than two weeks after signing the agreement.
“The governor didn’t just go there to sign papers. He had since returned home to roll up his sleeves and make the partnership a huge success.
“With the governor’s efforts, Kogi farmers will earn more from their agricultural produce,” he said.
He revealed that the state Ministry of Agriculture had already mapped out key areas with comparative advantages for specific crops, ensuring that each region contributed meaningfully to the value chain.
Kogi, he said, is already a leading producer of cassava in Nigeria and West Africa, and the administration is working hard to dominate other areas of food production.
“We are not just talking about being the food basket of the nation, we are taking real steps to become one,” he said.
He lauded Ododo as a visionary leader, who from the outset of his administration, placed agriculture at the center of his development agenda.
“During his campaigns and in his inaugural speech, Ododo emphasised the need for Kogi to be self-sufficient in food production. Today, he is fulfilling that promise.”
Fanwo also highlighted major government-backed programmes such as RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project), which is facilitating the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to markets.
He said that ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), also supported by the state government is channeling investments into rural farming communities.
“Agriculture in Kogi is receiving the biggest attention it has ever received.
“Our youth and women from Ibaji to Gegu and Egbe are now fully involved in the agricultural revival sweeping across the state.”
He noted that the state’s growing success in combating rural insecurity has contributed to increased farming activity and boosted confidence among local farmers.
The information commissioner said that the Food for Lagos Project is a game-changer, not only for food supply in Nigeria’s largest city but also for wealth creation and economic empowerment in Kogi.
“With sustained implementation, this partnership will make Kogi farmers richer and the state stronger economically,” Fanwo added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos state government on July 23, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the governors of Niger, Taraba, Kogi, and Ogun.
The MOU was signed during the launch of the N500 billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative of the state.
The food for Lagos initiative was aimed at strengthening food supply chains and tackle rising food costs.
The agreement formalised an inter-state collaboration on agricultural production, logistics, and market access to ensure consistent food availability in Lagos state.
