The Lagos State Government has announced plans to provide feeds, fertilizers, and other inputs to poultry and fish farmers at a 25% reduction to further support their trade and ultimately bring down the prices of food items and other consumables in the metropolis.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, made this known at a media briefing in Alausa on the Ounje Eko Farmer Subsidy Programme, where major stakeholders in the agricultural value chain were in attendance.
She stated that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration had provided the sum of ₦500 million for the takeoff of the exercise, adding that the state will closely monitor the process for efficiency and prevent diversion to ensure maximum benefits for residents.
According to her, the state government will deliver the feeds and other inputs to farmers next week, while the pilot scheme of the programme will run throughout February.
She explained that the government will also provide a platform for reliable offtakers who will buy produce from farmers in bulk and sell at monitored, cheaper rates to the public at designated centers, including Ikorodu, Epe, Ikeja, Badagry, and Ojo.
Olusanya added that the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme builds on the success of the 25% Ounje Eko discount market, where thousands of residents benefited in the wake of fuel subsidy removal and high inflation.
The Commissioner disclosed that, in recognizing the challenges faced by farmers, the state was 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% subsidy on animal feeds (poultry and fish), tractorization services for crop production, and the distribution of fertilizer bags.
She noted that 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% of production costs, leading to reduced farm operations and, in some cases, closures.
She emphasized that the situation 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 achieve the following:
• Provide direct financial relief to farmers through a 25% subsidy on poultry and fish feeds.
• Sustain and improve production levels, ensuring a steady supply of poultry and fish products in the market.
• 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.
Olusanya described the initiative as a crucial step in the broader agenda to reduce over-reliance on food imports and strengthen local food production. She noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub, faces unique food security challenges due to its heavy dependence on external food supplies.
By empowering local farmers, she said, the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme aligns with the Produce for Lagos Initiative, which focuses on increasing internal agricultural productivity.
Designated Discount Market Locations:
• Erikorodo Poultry Estate, Ikorodu
• Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Araga, Epe
• Aiyedoto Poultry Estate, Ojo
• Coconut House, Mowo, Badagry
• Farm Service Center, Oko-Oba, Ikeja
• Fish Farm Estate, Odongunyan, Ikorodu
The programme will run every Wednesday from February 5 to February 26, 2025.
The launch of the Ounje Eko Farmers Subsidy Programme marks another milestone in the state government’s commitment to ensuring food security, stabilizing food prices, and empowering farmers.
For the Commissioner, the initiative will not only safeguard livelihoods but also reinforce Lagos State’s leadership in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Most of the poultry and fish farmers at the briefing welcomed the initiative and expressed their full support for its successful implementation.
