Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has rolled out a wide range of farm inputs, tools and cash grants to farmers across nine sites of the National Programme for Food Security, NPFS in the State.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, stated this the 2025 Farmers Field Day/ Appreciation with the theme: ” Transitioning from Simple Tools to Mechanised Equipment”
She explained that Lagos, with a population of over twenty-four million people, cannot continue to rely on manual, labour-intensive farming methods if it must meet its rising food needs.
Olusanya, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Emmanuel Aoudu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming agriculture through mechanization and increased youth participation.
“This programme is about showing the transition in agriculture from simple handheld tools to mechanized farming, which is the way forward for agricultural productivity in Lagos State,” he said.
According to her, the state is empowering farmers across all NPFS sites with mini-tractors, power tillers, solar-powered sprayers, fish-smoking kilns, fish feed, poultry feed, deep freezers for artisanal fish processors, and other equipment.
In addition to tools, he noted that cash grants are being provided to enable beneficiaries to purchase agrochemicals and other essential inputs.
The Commissioner said the intervention will benefit “about 2,000 farmers across nine sites,” adding that the support aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to boosting food production and strengthening livelihood opportunities in farming communities.
He urged beneficiaries to put the tools to productive use, noting that the distribution is only the beginning of sustained government backing.
“Mr Governor is committed to growing agriculture through continuous support for our farming communities. Let them go and put these equipment to productive use and bring the desired results,” he added.
Earlier, Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Agriculture, who was represented by the Secretary, Mr. Babatunde Olajide, pledged the committee’s readiness to provide legislative support for programs that improve farmers’ welfare and strengthen food security.
“The chairman and the entire committee are willing to assist in terms of legislation to back up all these processes,” he said.
The National Coordinator of the NPFS, Dr. Suleman M. Salisu, praised Lagos for its impressive achievements and expansion of programme sites. “Honestly, what Lagos has done is marvelous,” he said. “When I return to Abuja, I will tell my minister what I have seen here.”
His Head of Operations, Mr. Idris Sewu, added that Lagos continues to set the pace in agricultural development, noting that the NPFS consistently records success stories because it works through Agricultural Development Programmes that reach grassroots farmers.
Coordinating Director of the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Mrs. Adironke Toju-Tubi, described the NPFS as a federal initiative launched in 2002 and adopted by Lagos in 2011, with a mission to support the poorest farmers and enhance food security.
She noted that the programme, which started in Lagos with three sites, has expanded to 10 due to its success. The goal, she said, is to help farmers move from manual tools to mechanized equipment to improve their livelihoods.
“My advice is that they should make good use of it. Some people dispose of government inputs for peanuts. This is meant to improve their lives,” she cautioned.