Lagos Assembly pledges speedy passage of Food Hub Bill

The Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed its readiness to expedite the passage of the Food Hub Bill currently before it.

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa gave the assurance during plenary on Thursday in Lagos.

Obasa was reacting to the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund(OGF), part of the “Produce for Lagos” initiative recently launched by the state government.

The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, is a state-led collaboration with the private sector aimed at tackling supply chain inefficiencies and improving access to agricultural produce across the state.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated that the initiative would be implemented through Special Purpose Vehicles such as the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Eko Logistics, and the Produce for Lagos Fund.

Obasa said the bill, when passed, would help formalise market operations and reduce constraints associated with informal trading across the state.

He added that it would also help combat food insecurity and ensure long-term access to affordable and nutritious food for Lagos residents.

Obasa noted that over the years, the Lagos State House of Assembly had remained proactive in supporting agriculture through policies and legislation that promote investment, innovation, and inclusivity.

He described the ₦500 billion OGF as a transformative step toward making agriculture a cornerstone of Lagos’ economic prosperity.

He said: “This will ensure a stable food supply for Lagos and beyond, while boosting private sector investment in agriculture and food systems.

“The programme will provide credit support for food producers across the state, and working capital for bulk traders and logistic operators.”

Obasa reaffirmed the state House of Assembly’s steadfast support for every initiative that would propel the state’s economy to greater heights.

Also speaking, the Leader of the House, Mr Noheem Adams said the Assembly was fully committed to this vision.

Adams said the programme would help to harness the infinite potential of their arable land and transform agriculture into the cornerstone of Lagos State’s economic prosperity.

According to him, we believe that agriculture has the potential to be a potent driver of food security, job creation, and economic diversification in our state.

In his comment, Mr David Setonji, described the initiative as “a watershed moment” in its shared commitment to achieving food security, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable growth not just for the state but for Nigeria.

Setonji said the good thing about the initiative was that it would provide guaranteed offtake contracts, financing access, and logistics support, connecting all and sundry directly with Lagos’s dynamic food economy.

Another lawmaker, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, said the initiative would go a long way in building resilient, sustainable food systems by leveraging inter-state collaboration and private sector investment. (NAN)