Lagos Moves to Stabilize Food Prices, Monitors Market Trends Ahead of World Food Day
The Lagos State Government has said it is closely monitoring the prices of food items and other commodities in major markets across the metropolis to check sharp practices among middlemen and traders who deal directly with residents.
It also noted that the pattern of rainfall this year significantly affected the harvesting period on farms and disrupted food supply chains, resulting in the high cost of food items in some cases.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, stated this during the Year 2025 Press Briefing celebrating World Food Day activities, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems Conference Room, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
She further explained that logistics during the rainy season had been challenging, which also impacted the prices of produce before reaching final consumers.
However, Olusanya emphasized that verified statistics show food prices are beginning to drop, adding that residents rarely acknowledge the downward trend as much as they complain when prices rise.
According to her, the establishment of more food hubs like the one in Mushin will ensure constant availability and affordability of food items across the metropolis.
Reacting to claims that the state government is not adequately utilizing available land for farming, the Commissioner expressed concern that some parcels of land originally allocated for agriculture had been diverted for estate development — another pressing need for the state’s growing population.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, clarified that the price of a 50kg bag of rice, which was around ₦100,000 this time last year, now sells for between ₦65,000 and ₦70,000, depending on the brand.
He noted that Eko Rice is of high quality and rich in flavour, adding that it is available at several outlets across the state and not limited to the Imota Rice Mill in Ikorodu.
Dr. Fashola also explained that not all available lands are suitable for cultivation, but the government is currently farming in Badagry and other parts of the state to boost food supply to residents.
He said the government duly paid for all lands acquired for agricultural purposes and always considers production costs and logistics before choosing project sites.
October 16th every year is set aside to mark World Food Day, a global reminder of the need for collective action against hunger and malnutrition. It also commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945 — a milestone in the global fight against food insecurity.
