The Lagos State Government has renewed its push for urban farming as a strategic response to food insecurity, urging local councils and environmental officers to integrate agriculture into city life.
At a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on Thursday held at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, the government, through the State Agricultural Development Authority, emphasized the need to bring food production closer to where it is consumed.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya — represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Rasheed Macaulay — stressed the importance of grassroots mobilisation in achieving food sustainability.
“Integrating agriculture into our urban landscapes reduces dependence on external food sources, lowers transportation costs, and improves access to fresh, nutritious produce,” Olusanya said.
She added that the government is committed to strengthening extension services, supporting innovation, and working with local councils to expand urban farming.
The workshop brought together heads of agriculture units from all 57 local government and council development areas, along with environmental health officers.
Programme Manager of the Agricultural Development Authority, Alade Aliru, highlighted that urban agriculture — including backyard gardening, container planting, and vertical farming — plays a key role in reducing reliance on food transported over long distances.
“Even the smallest urban spaces can be transformed into productive gardens,” Aliru said. “This approach helps build greener, healthier cities and supports more wholesome food consumption.”
Also speaking, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Audu — represented by the Director of Fisheries, Daisi Agarrey — noted that Lagos’ rapid urbanisation is putting pressure on land and food systems. He described urban and peri-urban agriculture as a timely and necessary solution to the growing demand for local food sources.
The state government pledged continued support through policies, partnerships, and technical training to scale urban agriculture across Lagos.
