The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step toward strengthening food security by distributing a wide range of modern agricultural tools, farm inputs, and funds to farmers across nine sites participating in the National Programme for Food Security (NPFS) in the State.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya said this move underscores the State’s commitment to modernising agricultural practices and ensuring that farmers are better equipped to increase food production and improve their livelihoods.
She made this known during the 2025 Farmers Field Day/Appreciation Day held at the Lagos State Agric Cooperative Hall, Oko-Oba. The event was themed “Transitioning from Simple Tools to Mechanised Equipment.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Emmanuel Audu, the Commissioner emphasised that Lagos, home to more than 24 million residents, must move away from traditional, labour-intensive farming if it intends to meet its rapidly increasing food demands.
“Today’s programme demonstrates the shift in agriculture from simple handheld tools to mechanised farming, which is the pathway to improved agricultural productivity in Lagos State,” she said.
Olusanya noted that farmers across all NPFS sites are being equipped with mini-tractors, power tillers, solar-powered sprayers, fish-smoking kilns, fish feed, poultry feed, deep freezers for artisanal fish processors, and other essential tools required to enhance productivity.
"In addition to the equipment, beneficiaries are also receiving cash grants to support the purchase of agrochemicals and other vital inputs. The intervention will benefit about 2,000 farmers to boost food production and improve livelihoods in farming communities, " she said.
The Commissioner, therefore, urged beneficiaries to use the tools responsibly and productively, stressing that the distribution marks the beginning of sustained government support for the sector.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Olotu Emmanuel, represented by the Committee Secretary, Mr. Babatunde Olajide reaffirmed the Legislature’s readiness to support initiatives that improve farmers’ welfare and strengthen food security.
“The Chairman and the entire committee are committed to providing the legislative backing needed to sustain and expand this initiative,” he stated.
The Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Mrs. Aderonke Toju-Tubi highlighted the history and impact of the NPFS, describing it as a federal initiative launched in 2002 and adopted by Lagos in 2011 to support vulnerable farmers and enhance food security. She noted that the programme, which began with three sites in Lagos, has now expanded to 10 due to its success and positive outcomes.
She further explained that the overarching goal is to facilitate farmers’ transition from manual farming methods to mechanised practices that improve productivity and income.
She encouraged beneficiaries to safeguard and maximise the use of the equipment provided.
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