Lagos Unveils Two Innovative Agro-Processing Hubs in Ikorodu

In a concerted effort to fortify food security within Lagos State, the government recently unveiled two agro-processing centers within the Ikorodu Local Government Area. This development was announced by the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, during the official inauguration of these facilities.

The two agro-processing centers in question are the Cottage Broiler Processing Centre located in Itamaga and the Egg Aggregation Centre situated in Erikorodo, both within the Ikorodu region. These projects were initiated under the aegis of the Lagos Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project.

Commissioner Olusanya emphasized that this inauguration underscores the unwavering commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to bolster food security in Lagos State. She stressed the necessity of the Lagos State government’s support for the local agricultural food chain and the farming community as a crucial step toward meeting the food requirements of the state.

The commissioner also highlighted the significant impact of the Lagos APPEALS Project within the state, noting that it has benefitted thousands of farmers engaged in aquaculture, poultry, and rice value chains. She further indicated that the Lagos State Government would soon intensify collaborations with farmers across various sectors, value chains, and clusters to address the diverse needs of Lagosians and provide substantial support to local farmers.

In her words, “The focus of the government is on establishing the right food system and market infrastructure to empower farmers to create the right commodities for exchange. Thereby, addressing price fluctuations and price fixation. We import more than we export. We consume from outside more than we produce internally. We need to support the agricultural food system of Nigeria and the farmers at large. We need to support farmers to produce enough to cater to the needs of Nigerians and Lagosians, which is why Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes in the food actors.”

The inauguration of these agro-processing centers is expected to yield a range of potential benefits. Mrs. Oluranti Sagoe-Oviebo, the Lagos State Coordinator of the APPEALS Project, explained that these facilities were established in Ikorodu based on a careful needs assessment to enhance the productivity of local farmers. The broiler processing center, for instance, is poised to tackle the issue of foreign exchange associated with chicken imports and reduce local production costs.

Mrs. Ibitoye Juliana, Chairperson of Erikorodo Poultry Estate Farmers Association, expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the historic significance of these projects for the farmers in Erikorodo and the broader Ikorodu community. She commended the Lagos State government and the APPEALS Project for their commitment to enhancing their businesses.

Mr. Bartholomew Akhigbe, Chairman of the Cluster group, who also spoke at the inauguration ceremony, applauded the Lagos State government and the APPEALS project, foreseeing the processing center’s capacity to boost productivity among local farmers and contribute to the reduction of imported chicken. These initiatives are indeed promising steps towards bolstering food security within Lagos State and the enhancement of the agricultural sector.