Lagos State is making a bold move to assert dominance in Nigeria’s agro-economy by establishing a central food and logistics hub in Epe, an ambitious project targeting a slice of the estimated ₦14 trillion national food market.
EpeInsights reports that the the initiative was announced during the 225 Ministerial press briefing commemorating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya.
She emphasized that the logistics hub will play a transformative role in the entire food value chain—from farm to market—by improving distribution efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, and attracting agro-investments into Lagos.
Despite Lagos being Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse, the state still imports more than 75% of its food from other regions.
To address this imbalance, Olusanya disclosed that over 100,000 local farmers and fishermen have received training in modern agricultural practices, while urban farming and agro-entrepreneurship programs are being scaled up with substantial funding.
One such effort includes grant support of up to ₦100 million for 26 selected agro-innovators, aimed at strengthening homegrown food production capabilities and creating a viable ecosystem for small agribusinesses.
“The Epe hub is not just a warehouse—it is the future of food security and economic resilience for Lagos,” said Olusanya.
“This is a strategic investment in logistics infrastructure that aligns with our goal to become a self-sufficient and export-ready agro-economy.”
With its vast consumer base, access to coastal shipping, and dominance in retail and distribution, Lagos is well-positioned to become Nigeria’s leading food processing and logistics corridor.
Elsewhere, states like Ekiti are also ramping up their agricultural ambitions. Ekiti’s L-PRES (Livestock Productivity and Resilience Enhancement) initiative is projected to generate 1.5 million jobs by supporting 200,000 livestock farmers across key sectors such as dairy, poultry, piggery, and sheep/goat production.
These initiatives reflect a broader shift toward localized food systems, rural development, and entrepreneurship-driven economic growthcritical pillars in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive prosperity.
