The Federal Government has expressed support for the launch of the Produce for Lagos Programme and a ₦500 billion Off-Take Guarantee Fund. The announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony in Lagos, where officials stated that the initiative is consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, conveyed his remarks through Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance. He said the programme highlights efforts toward national food security and demonstrates collaboration between government levels and private partners.
He noted that agriculture is central to Nigeria’s development strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda. According to Edun, “the programme will unlock the productive potential of farmers, traders, processors, and transporters and promote inter-state economic solidarity.”
Edun added, “We are blessed with vibrant populations, abundant natural resources, and an entrepreneurial spirit that positions us not as competitors, but as partners with a shared vision of resilient economies, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.”
The ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund is intended to give confidence to those involved in agriculture by lowering investment risks. Edun said: “It tells every farmer that their sweat will be matched with sustainability. Every agribusiness that their risks will be reduced. Every investor that agriculture is bankable, investable, and scalable.”
The Federal Government also plans to enhance the agricultural sector through several programmes such as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Programme (NAGS-AP), and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs). A strategic $1 billion agreement with Brazil under the Green Imperative Project aims to supply 10,000 tractors along with modern farm equipment to further develop Nigeria’s agricultural capacity.
Edun praised those leading these initiatives and urged all stakeholders to work together towards achieving food sufficiency in Lagos and across Nigeria. He concluded: “Let it be a call to action for all stakeholders to join hands in building a future where Lagos feeds itself—and contributes meaningfully to national food sufficiency.”
Signed
Mohammed Manga FCAI
Director, Information and Public Relations
July 23, 2025