As part of measures to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal, the Lagos State Government has launched the Lagos Market Trader Money in which the first 15,000 beneficiaries will receive N50,000 each.
The breakdown of the beneficiaries shows that each Local Government Area of the state will have 200 beneficiaries each, while an additional 50 will come from market leaders across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this at the commissioning of The Fresh Food Agro Hub in Mushin, said that the remaining 700 beneficiaries will come from both police and military barracks across the state.
The Governor described the initiative as another milestone towards achieving food security and solving the prevailing marketing challenges in the state.
He explained that the initiative was also to reduce losses in food distribution channels and set the stage for private collaboration in the sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said there are plans to extend the project to Ajah, Agege, and Abule Ado areas of the state in due course.
According to him, “The plan is to construct 50 of such in the state as part of the THEMES Agenda. The state is on the right path to enhancing food production and sustainability to meet the goal of 40% by 2025.”
Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the agenda is critical to the success of his administration, adding that the government is currently building a food logistics hub in Ketu Ereyun, Epe area of the state.
He thanked the market women who have supported his government over the years, promising never to let them down.
On her part, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative is a middle-level food hub purposely built to serve the people at the grassroots.
She said that the Agro Hub was part of the food transformation agenda of Lagos and Nigeria at large.
She explained that the initiative was to ensure farmers maximize their profit and allow market women to sell at the right price since it eliminates waste.
Bisola Olusanya noted that the Fresh Food Agro Hub will further boost a healthy environment processed with fresh foods.
Lagos takes care of 60% of commerce in the country.
A member representing Mushin Federal Constituency, Toyin Fayinka, said he was glad that the pilot project was constructed in Mushin.
He assured full protection of the edifice while challenging other members of the Executive to facilitate similar construction in their areas for the good of the people.
The Iyaloja of Mushin, Alhaja Toyibat Borokini, who promised to maximize the use of the Agro Hub, thanked the Governor for setting Mushin as a good example to others.
As Oliver Twist, the Iyaloja reminded the Governor about other necessary support for market women and men in the area.
The Development Partner for Origin Group, Prince SJ Alo, told the gathering that the idea started in 2019 and received the blessings of the Governor.
He said Lagos consumes six trillion naira worth of food annually while the nation at large consumes 73 trillion naira.
He assured that the project will make food cheaper in the state.
The 6,400 square meters of land housing the Fresh Food Agro Hub in Mushin is intended to put an end to problems associated with post-harvest losses, inflation, and traffic congestion during the movement of food items across the state.
