Sanwo-Olu Expands Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme to Sustain Food Production Ahead of Yuletide
The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of Phase II of the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme, an agricultural intervention aimed at sustaining food production, empowering farmers, and stabilizing food prices across the state ahead of the festive season.
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, made the announcement during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday.
Olusanya said the initiative, introduced by the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, was designed to cushion the impact of rising production costs, particularly in the poultry and fishery sectors, where feed expenses account for over 70 percent of total production costs.
She noted that the first phase of the programme, launched earlier in the year, recorded significant success, benefiting over 5,000 farmers, supplying 993.3 metric tons of poultry feed and 265.65 metric tons of fish feed, sustaining the production of 258,000-layer birds, and yielding over 7 million eggs and 177,100 catfish.
The intervention, she added, also helped reduce the price of eggs from ₦6,000 to between ₦5,000 and ₦5,400 per crate.
“Building on this success, Governor Sanwo-Olu has approved the implementation of the second phase, expanding its reach and scope to provide greater impact across various value chains,” the Commissioner said.
Under the new phase, farmers will benefit from a 25% subsidy on poultry and fish feeds, including layer mash, broiler feed, and various fish feed sizes ranging from 2mm to 6mm.
The programme also includes the free distribution of grains to pig farmers and fertilizer to crop farmers, as well as the provision of agricultural equipment and inputs to crop farming clusters across Lagos State to enhance mechanization and reduce manual labour.
Equipment to be distributed include power tillers, mini tractors, fish smoking kilns, sprayers, planters, generators, and other essential farm tools. In addition, farmers will receive a 25% subsidy on Eko Agro Mechanization Services, while government extension agents will continue to provide training and technical support to ensure improved productivity.
The subsidy programme will begin on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, across 10 designated centres statewide, including Agege, Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ojo, Ajah, Ipaja, Mosan, and Ibeju-Lekki.
Participation will be limited to registered and recognized farmer associations such as the Poultry Association of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), the Lagos State Catfish Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (LASCAFAN), and other estate and settlement groups to ensure transparency and accountability.
Olusanya disclosed that the ministry would continue to partner with Providus Bank and Zenith Bankfor financial transparency and accountability in managing the programme’s funds.
She added that the ministry is also collaborating with top feed producers such as Animal Care Services Konsult, Olam Agri, and New Hope Feeds Nigeria, whose involvement guarantees quality assurance, smooth distribution, and steady supply of feeds to farmers across the state.
“These partnerships form the backbone of the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme, guaranteeing efficiency, accountability, and consistent delivery of support to farmers,” she stated.
To complement the farmer-focused support, the Lagos State Government will also offer a 25% discount on essential food items at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub, Mushin, throughout the festive season.
Items available at subsidized rates include rice, beans, garri, bread, tomatoes, pepper, onions, smoked fish, frozen chicken, palm oil, vegetable oil, semovita, and assorted fruits.
According to Olusanya, the initiative will enable residents to celebrate the festive season with affordable food while complementing the government’s broader food system goals.
The Commissioner further announced that the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0 will hold on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island.
The summit will convene policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and young agripreneurs to discuss innovations shaping Lagos’ agricultural sector. It will also feature the presentation of awards to winners of the Lagos Agrithon 2025, showcasing emerging agrifood innovators leveraging technology to enhance food systems.
Olusanya reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to food security through inclusive and sustainable agricultural policies, adding that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration remains focused on empowering farmers and supporting residents through affordable food initiatives.
“By linking farmer support with consumer relief, and innovation with policy, Lagos State continues to lead the way in building a resilient, productive, and sustainable food system,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his leadership, and to all partners, farmer associations, and media organizations for their collaboration in advancing Lagos’ food security agenda.
