The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has officially launched the Lagos Agrithon 2025, a youth-focused innovation challenge aimed at tackling food insecurity and transforming the state’s agrifood sector.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, June 2, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the urgency of reshaping Lagos’ food landscape. With the state consuming more food than any other in Nigeria but producing less than 30% of its food needs, she said the time to act boldly is now.
“Lagos Agrithon is more than a contest. It is a movement — a platform for bold ideas, youth-led innovation, and scalable solutions to tackle both present and future food challenges,” Olusanya stated.
According to the Commissioner, the 2025 edition of Lagos Agrithon features an expanded ₦150 million grant pool, which will be awarded to at least 35 promising agrifood startups and innovators operating across key value chains within the state.
Key Features of Lagos Agrithon 2025:
• Open to youth aged 18–40 with startups between 0–5 years old.
• Must be Lagos-based or have measurable impact within Lagos.
• Must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and enrolled with LASSRA.
• Target sectors include climate-smart agriculture, food processing, precision farming, Agri-fintech, logistics, market access, and food traceability.
The Commissioner noted that this year’s programme builds on the success of the 2024 edition, which supported 26 youth-led agribusinesses with a total of ₦100 million. New additions for 2025 include:
• Virtual and physical pitch sessions
• Mentorship support to strengthen business models
• A Grand Finale during the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0, where winners will be announced and connected with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Application Process:
Interested applicants must fill out an online registration form and submit a pitch deck that outlines the problem they’re solving, their proposed solution, and expected impact. Full application details are available on the Lagos Agrinnovation and Ministry of Agriculture websites.
Entries will be judged based on:
• Innovation and originality
• Feasibility and relevance
• Market viability and impact
• Sustainability
• Clarity and strength of the team
Olusanya emphasized that Lagos Agrithon is a strategic investment in the future of the state’s food ecosystem, designed to foster resilience, economic growth, and food security despite challenges such as urbanization and climate change.
She urged young innovators, development partners, investors, educators, and the media to support the initiative, noting that collaborative efforts are key to building a sustainable food system for Lagos.
“Lagos Agrithon 2025 is not just a programme. It is a strategic response to a real and growing challenge. It is an investment in the minds and hands that will feed our future,” she concluded.
