‘Our target is 50% increase in food production by 2025’

Determined to achieve food security in Lagos, the state government has restated its commitment to increasing food production by 50 per cent over the next four years, thereby creating new opportunities to feed itself and other states in Nigeria, as well as stimulating economic growth and prosperity through agriculture.

The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who disclosed this at an event organised to mark the 150th Cooperative Anniversary of Friesland Campina, said the present administration’s effort would boost economic growth and prosperity in the agriculture sector.

Referring to the recent launch of the Agriculture Value Chains Enterprise Activation Programme, Hamzat said the launch is a clear reference to the expansion of government’s vision, which is driven by a “Farm to Table Model” and has so far empowered about 3,000 urban and rural farmers in key sectoral value chains in the process.

He said: “Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State, as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, has further renewed the vigour and vision to increase food production by, at least, 50 per cent by 2025, thereby creating new opportunities to feed itself and Nigeria, as well as stimulating economic growth and prosperity through agriculture.”

The Deputy Governor hoped that even after the tenure of the current administration, the vision would be carried along into the future by other administrations with more farmer recruitments.

Hamzat stated that as Lagos State celebrates this anniversary with Friesland Campina, Nigerian investors and business communities must remember that the onus of building a great brand, such as Friesland Campina, is essential to safeguarding economic, cultural and historical traditions to strengthen the country’s unity.

While congratulating the company on the milestone, Hamzat thanked them for having faith in the nation’s economy, despite the trying and challenging environment.