Lagos, Kebbi agree on joint venture for increased food production

Lagos and Kebbi states have agreed to go into a joint venture in food production, processing and distribution.

The venture will be implemented using a special purpose vehicle, LASKEB Agricultural Production and Marketing Company (LAPMCO), and the major areas of focus will be the development of commodity value chains with emphasis on rice, wheat, groundnut, onions, maize/sorghum and beef.

Governors of both states, Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) on Wednesday signed a MoU, giving effect to the joint venture.

Lagos is bringing into the deal a massive population estimate of 20 million people, which guarantees steady market for what is to be produced through the joint venture.

Kebbi on its part will be leveraging its vast arable land of about 1.2 million hectares characterised by large floodplains, lowland swamps and gentle slopes, good for rice production.

At the MoU signing ceremony in Lagos, witnessed by officials of both states, the governors emphasised the need for sustainable food security in the country through a viable partnership that will enhance agricultural commodity value chain.

“The future of Lagos State is partly tied to deliberate resolution on food security. Food production and self-sufficiency require our immediate attention at policy and strategic levels to sustain ourselves.

“Lagos State has an estimated consumption of over 798,000 metric tons of milled rice per year, which is equivalent to 15.96 million of 50kg bags, with a value of N135 billion per annum.

 “We have the economic prowess to produce rice locally. The era of imported rice is gone. The reality is for all of us to embrace the consumption of local foodstuff and commodities. In addition to rice, Lagos is presently consuming 6,000 herds of cattle daily, which may increase to 8,000 in the next five years.

“The bulk of the vegetables produced in the country end up in the Lagos markets. Lagos State is one of the largest producers of poultry and thus has a large demand for maize for livestock feed production. The state also houses most of the industrial users of wheat and sorghum; mostly flour mills, bakeries, breweries and food manufacturers,” Ambode said.

Speaking also, Bagudu said the partnership was informed by the shared vision between both governments.

“Lagos and Kebbi have a long history of trade; we are not starting something new, we are cementing what is there and we are adding value to it so that people in Lagos and Kebbi are richer together.

“We believe in the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari to transform Nigeria from dependency in oil. We believe that the two states can significantly contribute to and improve food sufficiency and food security for our country,” he said.