Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has praised the Lagos State Government for launching the “Produce for Lagos” programme, describing the initiative and its ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund as a forward-thinking solution that directly links food security with national stability.

Musa gave the commendation on Tuesday, during the official unveiling ceremony of the programme aimed at transforming Lagos’ food system and reducing the state’s dependency on external food sources.

According to the CDS, the initiative reflects a bold and timely collaboration between the Lagos State Government, the private sector, and the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), as well as other Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) such as Ekolog and the Lagos Bulk Trading Company.

He said the model being created is not only set to enhance food production and logistics across the state, but could serve as a scalable framework for improving livelihoods and national resilience.

Musa noted that the programme’s strategic alignment with the Lagos State Agriculture and Food Systems Roadmap (2021) reinforces its long-term sustainability.

He lauded the state’s data-driven approach in tackling agricultural inefficiencies and building stronger value chains.

“Food security is one of the most effective non-kinetic tools for combating insecurity, poverty, and unemployment,” the CDS said, stressing that resilient food systems are critical to the nation’s peace and economic stability.

He went on to commend Lagos State for consistently setting benchmarks in subnational leadership, highlighting its economic growth, infrastructural development, and urban planning efforts as worthy of emulation.

The CDS further praised Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, for building on the visionary legacy of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the area of innovative governance.

Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to supporting non-kinetic efforts that advance peace, food sufficiency, and national cohesion.

He also extended gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian military and the broader national security architecture.