The Kwara State Government , North Central Nigeria has joined other sub national actors to formalize a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Government under the Produce for Lagos Programme and the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, a bold initiative designed to drive food sufficiency, stabilize market prices, and deepen sub national economic cooperation.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, represented the Kwara State Government at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held in Lagos .
His presence affirmed the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to regional partnerships that support increased agricultural productivity and value chain coordination.
The initiative provides a structured offtake framework that guarantees farmers in Kwara a ready market for their farm produce all year round. This will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, which remain a major challenge among small holder farmers, and encourage increased investment in food and livestock production.
Kwara’s comparative advantage includes vast arable land for the production of staples such as rice, maize, cassava, soybeans, and vegetables, as well as livestock products like poultry, goat meat, dairy, and fish. With growing transport infrastructure and improved access to farms across its agro-ecological belts, the State is well positioned to support the Lagos market with fresh produce on a consistent basis.
Kwara’s participation aligns with the broader vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to reposition the State as a hub for agribusiness, food processing, and value addition.
Also present at the event was the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas-Adebayo, whose attendance reflected the State’s inter-sectoral approach to agriculture and livestock integration as part of a broader food systems transformation agenda.
The MoU signing marks a new chapter in cross-state collaboration, and Kwara is poised to mobilise stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to ensure that the partnership delivers real value for both producers and consumer
Oyenike Oyeniyi