Lagos State Government says it is committed to economic diversification.

Yesterday at the World Food Day celebrations with the theme: Our Actions Are Our Future: A Zero Hunger World by 2030 Is Possible, the Lagos State Government restated its commitment to economic diversification through effective policies and implementation to boost the Agricultural sector.

The Governor of the State, Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello said:

“I wish to emphasize that the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has developed agricultural initiatives aimed at addressing the need of diversifying the economy. The recent breakthrough in rice agribusiness, considering the collaboration between Lagos and Kebbi states on large production, processing and distribution of the LAKE Rice product, has created a land mark in economic diversification.”

Continuing, he said: “We have acquired a 32-metric tonnes per hour rice milling plant, which will become operational next year, to ensure that Lagos meets up with the demand of its LAKE rice consumers.

We are also collaborating with Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states in rice production to ensure that the rice mill gets sufficient staple.”

According to Ambode, the rice mill will provide over 200, 000 jobs in the rice value chain in the state.

The Governor also said the state had established an Agricultural Estate Initiative, promotion of vegetable production with the use of greenhouse technology, cage and pen culture in fisheries production.

He added that the state was also strengthening farm settlement initiative, empowerment of farmers and other initiatives to improve agricultural development and sustainable food security in Lagos.