Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets should commence discounted sale of food items across the five divisions of Lagos effective from Sunday, 17th March 2024.
In a statement on Friday, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso said the food items – rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, among others – would be sold to residents at 25 per cent discount.
In order to prevent sharp practices and ensure the foodstuff reaches a large number of Lagosians, Omotoso said that a voucher system would be introduced as the pilot scheme kicks off.
He further said: “Independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process. They will also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.
“For the purpose of transparency, prices of the items have also been listed. A 5kg bag of rice would sell for N5,325 while 1kg goes for N1,065; 5kg bag of beans – N6,225, while 1kg would sell for N1,245. Prices of other staple food items will also be made available through various media outlets.
“The markets will be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions.
“Mr. Governor has called on all Lagosians to cooperate with the operators at the various locations, monitor the process, and provide feedback through official channels of the Lagos State Government”.