The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable and profitable agricultural sector by leveraging data-driven solutions and intensifying the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
EpeInsights gathered that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, while speaking at the All Farmers Business Meeting (AFBM 2.0), organised by RID LAB on Wednesday at the Golden Kharis Event Centre, Ikorodu, said the future of agriculture rests on facts, figures, and analytics rather than guesswork.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Fisheries Department, Mr. Olorunfemi Oniyide, Audu explained that data-driven farming reduces losses, enhances productivity, and secures greater profitability for farmers.
He also warned against indiscriminate antibiotic use in livestock and aquaculture, stressing that AMR poses grave risks to food security, animal health, and public health.
“The effects range from rising mortality in poultry and fish to failed treatments and higher production costs. Lagos is committed to promoting proper diagnosis, responsible use of veterinary medicines, and sound policies that safeguard both farm profitability and public health,” Audu said.
RID LAB’s Chief Executive, Mr. Femi Dairo, echoed this stance, noting that many farmers waste resources by treating animals based on guesswork rather than accurate diagnosis.
He stressed that the organisation is deliberately changing this culture by prioritising science-based solutions over quick fixes.
“RID LAB chose the more difficult but rewarding path of accurate diagnosis. With data-driven decisions, farmers can protect their animals, reduce unnecessary drug use and achieve measurable results,” Dairo said, adding that farms adopting evidence-based treatment have recorded higher survival rates and better returns on investment.
Managing Director of RID LAB, Mrs. Adewunmi Dairo, described data as the new power in agriculture, noting that the meeting’s theme, “Numbers Don’t Lie: Turning Farm Data into Profit,” represents a movement to position farming as a business rather than guesswork.
She emphasised that collective efforts by government, regulators and the private sector are crucial to achieving food safety, public health, and sustainable prosperity for farmers.
The meeting brought together livestock farmers, agripreneurs, scientists, regulators and investors to explore innovative pathways for strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
