Lagos Strengthens Food Security with Mechanised Farming Equipment and Farmer Support

The Lagos State Government has enacted a decisive measure to enhance food production and bolster food security by distributing a wide array of modern agricultural equipment, essential farm inputs, and financial aid to farmers. This crucial intervention targets farmers operating across nine designated sites participating in the National Programme for Food Security (NPFS) within the state. According to Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, the initiative powerfully underscores the State’s commitment to rapidly modernising agricultural practices and ensuring that its farming community is optimally equipped to increase yields and significantly improve their individual livelihoods.

The announcement was made during the insightful 2025 Farmers Field Day/Appreciation Day, an event held at the Lagos State Agric Cooperative Hall, Oko-Oba, which centred on the theme: “Transitioning from Simple Tools to Mechanised Equipment.” Commissioner Olusanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, highlighted the urgency of moving away from outdated, labour-intensive farming methods. Given Lagos's status as a megalopolis home to over 24 million inhabitants, the shift to mechanised farming is deemed a necessity to meet the relentlessly increasing food demands of its massive population, marking a significant step towards improved agricultural productivity.

​The comprehensive package distributed to the farmers across all NPFS sites includes high-value assets such as mini-tractors, power tillers, and solar-powered sprayers. For those in the aquaculture and fish processing sectors, vital equipment like fish-smoking kilns, deep freezers, and necessary fish and poultry feed were provided. This targeted distribution of essential modern tools is specifically designed to enhance overall farm productivity and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the initiative is reinforced by the provision of cash grants, intended to assist beneficiaries in procuring agrochemicals and other indispensable inputs, collectively benefiting approximately 2,000 farmers across various farming communities.

Commissioner Olusanya used the platform to issue a strong call to action, urging the beneficiaries to utilise the new tools and financial support responsibly and productively. She stressed that this distribution is not an isolated event but rather the beginning of a sustained government support structure dedicated to revitalising the agricultural sector. Echoing this commitment, the Lagos State House Committee on Agriculture, represented by Mr. Babatunde Olajide, affirmed the Legislature's readiness to provide the necessary legislative backing to ensure the sustained growth and expansion of these vital initiatives aimed at improving farmers' welfare and strengthening food security.

Mrs. Aderonke Toju-Tubi, the Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, provided historical context, explaining that the NPFS is a federal programme initially launched in 2002 and adopted by Lagos in 2011 to specifically support vulnerable farmers. The programme, which began with three sites, has successfully expanded to 10 due to its proven positive impact. She reiterated that the overarching strategic goal is to facilitate a complete transition from inefficient manual farming to profitable mechanised practices, ultimately boosting productivity and farmer income, while also encouraging beneficiaries to diligently safeguard and maximise the use of the valuable equipment provided.