By Oladosu Adebola Oluwaseun
The Federal Government has applauded the launch of the Produce for Lagos Programme and ₦500 Billion Off-Take Guarantee Fund, saying the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun gave the commendation today in his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony held in Lagos. Represented by the Honourable Minister of State for Finance Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister highlighted the transformative potential of the programme, stating that it underscores the collective commitment to national food security and exemplifies the transformational power of partnership across levels of government and the private sector.
He stated that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies agriculture as a foundational and futuristic pillar of Nigeria’s national development architecture. HM Edun emphasized that the programme will unlock the productive potential of farmers, traders, processors, and transporters and promote inter-state economic solidarity.
We are blessed with vibrant populations, abundant natural resources, and an entrepreneurial spirit that positions us not as competitors, but as partners with a shared vision of resilient economies, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, he stated.
The ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund was highlighted as a bold and timely intervention, providing assurance to farmers, agribusinesses, and investors, and reducing risks associated with agricultural investments. It tells every farmer that their sweat will be matched with sustainability. Every agribusiness that their risks will be reduced. Every investor that agriculture is bankable, investable, and scalable, the Minister emphasized.
Edun also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to revamping and scaling the agricultural sector through various initiatives, including the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Programme (NAGS-AP), and the development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs). A $1 billion strategic agreement with the Government of Brazil under the Green Imperative Project was also mentioned, aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through the provision of 10,000 tractors, modern farm implements, and agro-processing equipment.
He commended the visionary team behind the project and called on all stakeholders to join hands in building a future where Lagos feeds itself and contributes meaningfully to national food sufficiency. Let it be a call to action for all stakeholders to join hands in building a future where Lagos feeds itself—and contributes meaningfully to national food sufficiency, the Minister concluded.
