Stakeholders Demand Transparent Farmer Register to Boost Agriculture in Lagos

Stakeholders Demand Transparent Farmer Register to Boost Agriculture in Lagos

Major stakeholders in Lagos State’s agricultural sector have called for the creation of a transparent and comprehensive register of all categories of farmers. They believe this step is crucial to maximizing the sector’s potential and ensuring that government-provided farm inputs and support reach genuine, practicing farmers.

This demand was made during the Food Systems Champions Summit held at the Market Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, where fish, poultry, and vegetable farmers, alongside logistics providers, discussed challenges facing the sector.

A key concern raised was the difficulty in accessing seedlings due to rising costs, alongside challenges in accessing ready markets for selling produce. 

**Lagos: Nigeria’s Potential Food Basket**

African Farmer Mogaji emphasized that Lagos, with its strategic importance, should be considered Nigeria’s food basket. He noted that delays in transporting farm produce into the city often lead to losses for farmers, which can have far-reaching effects across the nation.

“When there are distribution challenges in Lagos, it impacts food supply throughout the country,” Mogaji said.

**Call for Financial Support and Loan Accessibility**

Yinusa Alaba, the Technical Director of Amo Farms, advocated for single-digit interest loans for farmers through specialized banks, stressing the need to address the rising costs of poultry feed. Alaba further suggested that government empowerment initiatives should only be directed toward verified, practicing farmers to prevent misuse of resources.

**Generational Gap and Lack of Youth Involvement**

Dr. Adewale Adewoyin of Animal Care highlighted a significant concern: the ageing farming population. He noted that young Nigerians are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad or pursuing white-collar jobs, leaving a critical gap in farm succession.

“We need to find ways to make farming appealing to the younger generation,” Adewoyin stressed.

**Aquatic Potential Underutilized**

Sejiro Michael, Chairman of Lagos Fish Farmers, called for urgent action to tap into Lagos’ vast aquatic resources. He lamented that despite having access to over 500 fish species, Lagosians primarily consume catfish and tilapia.

“The aquatic deposits in Lagos are a treasure. Some countries don’t have what we have here,” Michael stated, urging the government to develop these resources for local consumption and export.

**Challenges of Rising Food Prices**

Alhaji Usman Jubril, Chairman of Mile 12 Market, noted that transportation costs, logistics, and illegal checkpoints contribute to rising food prices. He called for more young farmers to join the sector to help tackle hunger and poverty. 

Mile 12 Market, according to Jubril, is the largest perishable food market in West Africa, attracting traders from neighboring countries such as Togo, Benin, Cameroon, and Chad.

**Government's Response**

In response, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, expressed her appreciation for the insights shared at the summit. She assured the stakeholders that the government would consider their recommendations.

Olusanya emphasized that while challenges remain, there are opportunities to harness within the sector, noting the progress the government has made in agriculture. 

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, echoed her sentiments, noting that passion and commitment are more critical than large capital investments for starting a successful agricultural business.

The summit concluded with renewed calls for collaboration between farmers, the government, and the private sector to ensure the sustainable growth of agriculture in Lagos.