As the Yoruba adage goes, tí oúnjẹ ba ti kúrò nínú ìṣẹ́, ìṣẹ́ bu se This literally means, once hunger is no longer an issue, all other matters are sorted. Perhaps this is what informed the planned intervention fund by the Lagos State government to further boost the popular Ounje Eko food security project. The state government has disclosed plans to launch a N500 million intervention fund aimed at providing affordable, domestic food sufficiency for its over 23 million residents.
The Ounje Eko market pilot scheme was introduced in mid-March 2024, when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered that food products at the market be sold at discounted prices in all five divisions of the state to cushion the effects of the escalating food prices and skyrocketing inflation.
Its initial phase, which held across its 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state on Sundays, saw residents enjoyed a 25 per cent discount on a variety of food items, including rice, beans, Garri, bread, eggs and tomatoes, among other items. The intervention programme is being implemented in collaboration with the private sector and stakeholders to also ensure fair product pricing for end users.
Giving hint of the planned intervention last Wednesday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Bisola Olusanya, who addressed a packed audience in Alausa, Ikeja, said the government would support farmers by providing a 25 percent subsidy on their production for dedicated markets.
According to Olusanya, ‘as you may recall, the Ounje Eko Discount Market was introduced as a response to the significant rise in inflation and its effect on the affordability of essential food items for Lagos residents.
‘This initiative, which provides a 25 per cent discount on key food commodities, has been widely accepted by the general public and has successfully provided relief to thousands of households across the state.
‘Through two successful phases, this initiative has demonstrated our government’s unwavering commitment to food security and economic stability for our citizens. Building on this success and recognising the challenges faced by our farmers, we are pleased to introduce the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme (Ounje Eko FSP) — a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at supporting agricultural production through a 25 per cent subsidy on animal feeds (poultry and fish), tractorisation services for crop production as well as distribution of bags of fertilizers.
‘The agricultural sector, particularly livestock and aquaculture farming, has been under significant pressure due to the rising cost of production inputs. Poultry and fish feed alone account for over 70 per cent of production costs, leading to reduced farm operations and, in some cases, closures.
‘This has not only affected farmers but has also contributed to food inflation and reduced access to essential protein sources such as eggs, chicken, and fish.
‘Through the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme, the Lagos State Government seeks to provide direct financial relief to farmers through a 25 per cent subsidy on poultry and fish feeds. “Prevent further farm closures and mitigate food insecurity. Strengthen the overall agricultural value chain in Lagos State by supporting farmers from production to market distribution’.
Integration with the Produce for Lagos Initiative and the Central Food Security and Logistics Hub, Olusanya added: ‘This initiative with a N500 million intervention, is a crucial step in the broader agenda to reduce over-reliance on food imports and strengthen local food production.
‘By empowering local farmers, the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme aligns with the Produce for Lagos Initiative, which focuses on increasing internal agricultural productivity.
‘Additionally, this programme will help lay the groundwork for the Lagos State Central Food Security and Logistics Hub, ensuring seamless distribution of agricultural products across the state’.
On the operational strategy, Olusanya said: ‘To ensure the success of this programme, we have put in place a robust implementation strategy. Key components include targeted products and partners, such as poultry feed (Layers Mash). Fish feed (3mm and 4mm). Reputable feed millers such as Animal Care and Olam Nigeria Limited will be engaged’.
On the Standard Operating Procedure, the commissioner said: ‘The programme will run every Wednesday from 5 to 26 February 2025. Farmers will pay only 75 per cent of the cost, while the government subsidizes the remaining 25 per cent. Pre-ordering and payment processes will be managed through farmer associations to ensure transparency. Vendors will deliver pre-ordered products to market locations for verification and distribution, among others’.
She added: ‘The launch of the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme marks another milestone in our commitment to ensuring food security, stabilising food prices, and empowering our farmers.
‘This initiative will not only safeguard livelihoods but also reinforce Lagos State’s leadership in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
‘We call on all stakeholders — farmers, feed millers, security agencies, and the general public — to support and participate in this initiative’.
Olusanya expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering dedication to the welfare of residents, as well as to all partners, such as OLAM Nigeria, Animal Care, Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, Farmer Associations such as the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Catfish Allied Farmers Association, and other stakeholders.
Judging by the groundswell of support for the food relief package, some Lagosians, who got hint of the planned resumption of the programme were effusive with praises for the governor for his listening ears and heeding the cry of the multitudes longing for such reliefs to address the lingering economic crunch.
One of the food merchants, Mrs. Damilola Ganiyu, who deals on tomatoes and pepper and was lucky to participate in the previous editions of the Ounje Eko Market, recalled with excitement how the programme impacted positively on her personal economy. According to her, surely Sanwo-Olu’s kindred spirit which helps him to show his humanity to others when it matters most deserves commendations from the good people of Lagos State.
Reassuring words like these signify one thing: if you teach people how to feed, they can feed themselves better.
