The Inspire Lagos Food Market, in partnership with the Shomolu Local Government, has slashed food prices by 50%—a move that’s bringing much-needed relief to struggling households.

Spearheaded by Abiola Adebajo, Convener of the Inspire Lagos Food Market, this initiative returned to Shomolu for the second time this year. And for the thousands who flocked to the market, the experience was nothing short of transformative.

“Walking through the market, you don’t just hear gratitude—you feel it,” Adebajo said. “We’re not just talking about change; we’re making it happen.”

At the core of this initiative is a simple but powerful idea: make food affordable again. Through direct partnerships with local farmers and vendors, the market eliminates middlemen, ensuring lower prices while boosting the income of small-scale sellers. It’s a model that not only feeds families but also fuels local trade.

“No one should have to choose between food and other basic needs,” Adebajo stressed. “This is a community-driven solution, and we want its impact to ripple across every household.”

Buyers at the market register on-site and pay a subsidized fee to receive food vouchers worth double the amount. For example, N15,000 gives shoppers N30,000 in purchasing power, while N20,000 secures N40,000 worth of goods. Available items include rice, bread, eggs, beef, yams, onions, oil, tomatoes, and even live chickens—all offered at half their regular prices.

“This is deeply emotional for me,” Adebajo shared, looking over the bustling crowd. “You can see how much this means to the people.”

Local traders are also reaping the benefits. One yam vendor reportedly sold over 500 tubers in a single day—a significant boost for small business owners who previously struggled to move stock.

To maintain fairness and prevent hoarding or resale, purchasing limits are set between N15,000 and N25,000. “This is about feeding families—not restocking shops,” Adebajo explained.

The Executive Chairman of Shomolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu, praised the initiative, noting that this marks the second Inspire Lagos market held in the LGA within a single month.

“This is what people-centered leadership looks like,” Salawu said. “We identified a pressing need, and we acted decisively.”

Both Inspire Lagos and Shomolu LG share the cost of the 50% subsidy equally—each covering 25%. The program has already made waves in other LGAs like Ikeja and Ifako-Ijaiye, especially during the Easter season, offering hope and comfort in a time of economic challenge.

With its focus on affordability, access, and community empowerment, the Inspire Lagos Food Market is proving that with the right partnerships, lasting impact is possible—even in the toughest times.