By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu introduced a new palliative initiative, the Lagos Market Trader Money, providing N50,000 in business support grants to 15,000 low-income traders across the state. The launch took place in Idi-Oro, Mushin, where the Governor led Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and cabinet members to commission a newly constructed middle-level Fresh Food Agro hub.
In the first phase of the scheme, struggling traders across the 57 Local Government Areas will benefit from the grants. Market leaders in each council have been tasked with nominating 200 traders from community markets, with disbursement coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture starting on Monday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of this intervention to support local market women and men facing challenges in sustaining their micro and small businesses during the current economic realities. He clarified that traders in big markets are excluded, and the scheme extends to markets in military and police barracks, reaching a total of 750 beneficiaries.
The Governor inaugurated the middle-level Fresh Food Agro Market in Mushin, marking a milestone in realizing the state’s food security objectives. Sanwo-Olu reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the existing market system and reducing wastages in the food supply chain.
The administration, in 2021, initiated a roadmap for a coordinated food security and distribution network in Lagos. Plans include constructing 50 middle-level agro hubs, with three in Agege, Ajah, and Abule Ado. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need to address inefficiencies in the existing market system, which leads to significant post-harvest losses.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, highlighted that the middle-level Fresh Food market maximizes storage of wet and dry food, minimizing losses and waste. She commended the facility for addressing the unhealthy display of food items by traders and providing consumers with the opportunity to buy fresh farm produce in large quantities at affordable prices.
The Governor’s food system transformation initiative aims to modernize and reorganize the state’s food and agriculture systems. The middle-level Agro Produce hub is a significant step towards achieving food security objectives, fostering a sustainable model of food production and supply.
Traders, led by Iyaloja of Mushin, Alhaja Taibat Borokinni, expressed their appreciation for the completion of the market and the palliative scheme, emphasizing their support for initiatives improving the lives of market men and women.
Hon. Toyin Fayinka, representing Mushin Federal Constituency 2, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for completing the market project, positioning Mushin as the first council to actualize the food security vision. He called on other local governments to support similar projects, aligning with the State Government’s food security agenda.