The Lagos State Government is set to roll out a ₦500 million intervention initiative, the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme, designed to support local farmers and strengthen food security across the state.
This programme, scheduled to launch next Wednesday, aims to enhance domestic food production while ensuring affordability for the state’s 23 million residents.
It will be implemented in partnership with private sector stakeholders, focusing on subsidized agricultural inputs to reduce farmers’ production costs.
Supporting Farmers with a 25% Subsidy
Speaking at the unveiling event in Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Bisola Olusanya, outlined the key objectives of the initiative.
The government will provide farmers with a 25% subsidy on essential inputs such as:
✔ Animal feed (for poultry and fish farmers)
✔ Tractorization services (for crop farmers)
✔ Fertilizers
This intervention will primarily benefit poultry, crop, and fish farmers, helping them sustain and expand production levels.
Tackling Food Inflation & Strengthening Agriculture
The rising cost of farm inputs—especially poultry and fish feed, which account for over 70% of production expenses—has led to many farm closures and contributed to food inflation in Lagos.
The Ounje Eko programme seeks to:
✅ Provide financial relief for farmers
✅ Prevent farm closures and stabilize food production
✅ Ensure a steady supply of poultry, fish, and essential food items
✅ Strengthen the agricultural value chain from production to distribution
Strategic Partnerships & Implementation
To ensure effectiveness, the government is collaborating with major stakeholders, including:
Feed millers (e.g., Animal Care, Olam Nigeria Limited)
Farmer associations (e.g., Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Catfish Association of Nigeria)
Registered farmers operating within designated farm settlements
The subsidy programme will operate every Wednesday from February 5 to February 26, 2025, across several key locations, including:
📍 Erikorodo Poultry Estate, Ikorodu
📍 Agricultural Training Institute, Epe
📍 Aiyedoto Poultry Estate, Ojo
📍 Coconut House, Badagry
📍 Farm Service Center, Ikeja
📍 Fish Farm Estate, Ikorodu
Farmers will pre-order subsidized inputs through their associations, ensuring transparency and efficient distribution.
Lagos’ Commitment to Food Security
Commissioner Olusanya emphasized that this programme aligns with the “Produce for Lagos Initiative”, which aims to reduce reliance on food imports and boost local agricultural productivity.
“This intervention is part of the Lagos State Central Food Security and Logistics Hub, which will facilitate the efficient movement and distribution of farm produce across the state,” she added.
The government has urged farmers, feed millers, security agencies, and Lagos residents to support and participate in the programme.
This initiative reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to ensuring food security, stabilizing prices, and empowering farmers for a more resilient agricultural sector.
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