BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
In a concerted effort to strengthen food security across Nigeria, the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have entered into a strategic partnership to empower farmers and improve agricultural production, focusing on cassava processing.
The collaboration was formalised recently when the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House in Marina.
The partnership, part of the Federal Government’s broader agricultural initiative, aims to provide Lagos farmers with advanced machinery for processing cassava into Garri flour, a staple food in Nigerian households. This move is expected to increase the efficiency of cassava processing, reduce post-harvest losses, and support local farmers in meeting the growing demand for Garri.
Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to boost food production across the country while also focusing on empowering women within the agricultural sector. “We are working to ensure that women are significantly represented in this agricultural drive,” she said. The government’s plan allocates 30 percent of the opportunities in the program to women, while men will occupy the remaining 70 percent. This gender-sensitive approach is designed to provide women with greater access to agricultural resources and economic opportunities.
The cassava processing initiative is a critical component of the Federal Government’s strategy to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural output and reduce its dependency on imported food. Cassava, a major crop in Nigeria, is central to the nation’s food system, and its processed product, Garri, is a dietary staple for millions. However, traditional cassava processing methods are often inefficient and labour-intensive, limiting the production capacity of small-scale farmers.
By introducing modern machinery and more efficient processing techniques, the government aims to increase productivity, improve food quality, and ensure a stable supply of Garri, particularly in urban centres like Lagos. This initiative is already being implemented in other states, and the government’s decision to bring it to Lagos highlights the state’s critical role in Nigeria’s food security landscape.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed the Federal Government’s initiative and reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to supporting projects that bolster food security. He highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to expand its agricultural base and create resident employment opportunities. “We operate a large farm, and we see the synergy between our goals and what you’re bringing to the table,” Sanwo-Olu said. “The food security you want to achieve is something we’re fully committed to, and we’re ready to derive the benefits from what the Federal Government is offering.”
Lagos, though a predominantly urban state, has been making strides in agricultural development, with several initiatives aimed at boosting local food production. The governor noted that the state is always eager to participate in programs that provide economic development, job creation, and sustainable growth. Sanwo-Olu’s administration has emphasised agriculture’s importance in diversifying the state’s economy and reducing reliance on external food sources.
The cassava processing partnership is expected to enhance Lagos’s capacity to produce and process local food, creating more employment in the agricultural sector. As more advanced technologies are introduced, the project will likely increase local farmers’ productivity and profitability, positioning Lagos as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s food security efforts.
One of the standout features of the Federal Government’s initiative is its focus on empowering women in agriculture. The Minister of Women Affairs stressed the importance of involving women in all aspects of the agricultural value chain, from production to processing and distribution. By allocating 30 per cent of the opportunities to women, the government hopes to address gender disparities in the sector and provide women with the tools and training needed to succeed as agricultural entrepreneurs.
For many women in rural and semi-urban areas, agriculture is a primary source of income, yet they often need access to resources such as land, finance, and modern equipment. The cassava processing machines will help alleviate some of these challenges, enabling women to increase their productivity and participate more fully in the agricultural economy.
“This initiative is about more than just food security—it’s about economic empowerment,” said Kennedy-Ohanenye. “We want to ensure that women have the opportunity to thrive in agriculture, contribute to their communities, and improve their quality of life.”
Nigeria faces a growing food security challenge, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and economic instability. The country has made several attempts to revitalise its agricultural sector to ensure a stable food supply for its rapidly increasing population. However, issues such as outdated farming methods, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of investment have hampered progress.
The Federal Government and Lagos State partnership represents a step forward in addressing these challenges. This initiative seeks to boost local production, improve food availability, and support economic growth by focusing on cassava processing- a vital component of Nigeria’s food system.
Moreover, the collaboration between federal and state governments highlights the importance of cooperative efforts in tackling the complex issue of food security. With Lagos’s vast urban population and its strategic position as an economic hub, it is essential to ensure a steady supply of affordable, locally-produced food.
The Federal Government and Lagos State partnership on cassava processing is a critical move towards achieving food security in Nigeria. The initiative promises to enhance productivity, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s long-term economic stability by introducing modern machinery and empowering both women and men in the agricultural sector. As Lagos continues to expand its role in the nation’s agricultural development, the cassava processing project is a promising example of how innovation, collaboration, and gender inclusion can drive sustainable growth in the sector.
