The United States and the Netherlands have pledged to support the Lagos State Government in enhancing its agricultural ecosystem to increase food production and security for the state’s over 24 million residents.
The commitment was reaffirmed at the Lagos Agrinnovation Hangout 5.0, held in Gbagada, where representatives from both countries praised Lagos for its innovative policies that have expanded agricultural value chains and created opportunities for young farmers and entrepreneurs.
US, Netherlands Offer Support for Agricultural Growth
Dr. Christopher Bielecki, Agricultural Counselor at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), expressed readiness to facilitate the export of Nigerian farm produce to the US. He encouraged farmers and agribusiness owners to take advantage of the US’s open-door policy and engage in discussions on logistics support and business expansion.
Similarly, Peter Keulers, Deputy Consul-General of the Netherlands, shared insights on how his country, despite its small size, became the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter through advanced technology. He emphasized the role of drones, robotics, and artificial intelligence in driving Dutch agricultural success and urged Nigeria to adopt similar innovations.
Keulers highlighted Nigeria’s significant role in global agriculture and stressed that genuine partnerships are crucial for deepening the sector and ensuring food security.
Young Entrepreneurs and Farmers Share Experiences
At the event, Sejiro Oke-Tojinu, Managing Director of Sejifarms, shared his journey from being a student at Lagos State University (LASU) to becoming an agripreneur with international recognition. He advised young farmers to collaborate rather than work in isolation and emphasized knowledge-sharing as key to growth in the sector.
Dr. Agnes Fasheun, CEO of Swan Cape Farms, recounted how her experience in the UK, where she found imported vegetables from Kenya and Ethiopia, inspired her to venture into vegetable farming. She now supplies major supermarkets in Lagos, focusing on quality control and sustainable production.
Lagos Government’s Commitment to Agriculture
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the role of the Agrinnovation Club, which connects young farmers and entrepreneurs to drive agricultural transformation through technology and innovation.
She announced that Phase One of the Lagos Food Logistics Hub in Epe will be commissioned in June 2025. The hub will serve as a key center for food quality certification, with agencies like NAFDAC and SON ensuring food safety standards.
Olusanya stressed that agriculture presents vast opportunities for financial success, urging Nigerians to embrace it instead of seeking opportunities abroad.
The event concluded with the formal induction of Agrinnovation Club members and the presentation of certificates of recognition.
