- The U.S. and Netherlands pledged support to boost Lagos’ agriculture and food security.
- Experts emphasized innovation, technology, and trade opportunities for Nigerian farmers.
- Lagos announced a new Food Logistics Hub to improve food quality and safety.
The United States and the Netherlands have pledged support for Lagos State in expanding its agricultural ecosystem to enhance food production and security for its over 24 million residents.
At the Lagos Agrinnovation Hangout 5.0 held in Gbagada over the weekend, representatives from both countries commended the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems for its progressive policies that have expanded agricultural value chains and created opportunities for young farmers and entrepreneurs.
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The United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Counselor, Dr. Christopher Bielecki, expressed the U.S. government’s readiness to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with Nigerian farmers.
He emphasized that American markets are open to Nigerian agricultural exports and encouraged farmers to take advantage of available logistical and business support.
“Our doors are open for Nigerian farmers to explore opportunities in the U.S. market,” Bielecki said. However, he urged young entrepreneurs to bring value to the table rather than only seeking assistance, stressing that the U.S. is committed to promoting trade and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.
Similarly, Peter Keulers, the Deputy Consul-General of the Netherlands, shared insights into how his country, despite its small size, became the second-largest exporter of agricultural produce in the world.
He credited innovation and technology, including the use of drones, robotics, and artificial intelligence, as the key factors behind the Netherlands’ agricultural success.
“Nigeria plays a significant role in the global agricultural space,” Keulers noted. “A genuine partnership is key to deepening the sector and ensuring food security for both nations.”
Lagos State’s Commitment to Agricultural Growth
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the agricultural sector.
She highlighted the Agrinnovation Club, an initiative aimed at connecting young farmers and entrepreneurs while adding value to the industry.
“The Agrinnovation Club is a platform to showcase what Lagos is doing in agriculture and expand businesses beyond Nigeria’s borders,” Olusanya stated. “Government alone cannot meet all the needs of the people, so networking within the agricultural ecosystem is essential.”
She announced that Phase One of the Lagos Food Logistics Hub in Epe will be commissioned in June.
The facility will serve as a certification center for food quality, with regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and SON ensuring that all food entering Lagos meets safety standards.
Young Farmers Share Experiences
The event also featured young agricultural entrepreneurs who shared their success stories.
Dr. Agnes Fasheun, CEO of Swan Cape Farms, recounted how her experience in the United Kingdom, where she found vegetables imported from Kenya and Ethiopia, inspired her to start vegetable farming after 22 years in banking.
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“I saw a gap in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, and I decided to fill it. Today, my farm supplies major supermarkets in Lagos,” she said, emphasizing the need for responsive production and quality control.
The event concluded with the induction of new members into the Agrinnovation Club and the awarding of certificates to participants, reinforcing the commitment to building a sustainable agricultural future in Lagos.
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