Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has reportedly claimed that daily consumption of foodstuffs in the state is worth over N3bn.This suggest about N1 trillion is spent on foodstuff alone annually.
The governor made this pronouncement at the maiden edition of the Lagos Food Security and Exhibition Summit with the theme, ‘Actualising Sustainable Food Security in Lagos State: A New Comprehensive Agenda,’
The governor believes this consumption profile makes Lagos State a viable investment destination for those who want to invest in the agricultural sector.
“Nigeria has no business importing foodstuffs to feed its citizens. We must cultivate the land and improve efficiency in the agricultural value chain. “Our core policy thrust towards achieving food security is to maximise the comparative advantage of the state in agriculture and partner other states.” Ambode said his administration had partnered the Kebbi State Government for the development of agricultural commodities such as rice, wheat, groundnut and onion, expressing optimism that the partnership would result in the supply of 70 per cent of the total national rice consumption. “We have also acquired agricultural land in Ogun, Osun and Oyo states, as well as Abuja for rice cultivation and oil palm processing, among others,” the governor said.