Lagos State is poised to lead Sub-Saharan Africa in agricultural logistics with the creation of the largest food logistics hub in the region. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced this ambitious initiative during a working visit to the hub’s construction site at Ketu-Ejirin in the Epe area of Lagos. The hub, part of a broader plan to address food security and price instability, is slated for completion by mid-2025.
A Vision for Food Security
Speaking during the visit, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the transformative potential of the Lagos Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Hub, describing it as a crucial infrastructure project for achieving self-sufficiency in food production and distribution.
“We are building the largest food logistics hub in Sub-Saharan Africa in Ketu-Ejirin. Phase one is on track to be completed by the second quarter of next year,” he stated. “This facility will stabilize food prices and provide Lagosians with consistent and affordable access to essential commodities.”
Spanning a massive 220 hectares, the hub will feature advanced facilities, including extensive cold and dry chain storage systems. It also promises a streamlined supply chain connecting Lagos markets to agricultural producers from across Nigeria and beyond.
Economic and Regional Benefits
The governor emphasized that the hub would benefit both producers and consumers, with plans to source directly from states with abundant agricultural output. Additionally, the project is expected to catalyze economic growth in Ketu-Ejirin by creating job opportunities and boosting local businesses.
Prince Joseph Samuel, Managing Director of Origin Technology Group, the company partnering with the Lagos State Government on the project, expressed confidence in its impact. “This hub will transform Ketu-Ejirin into a major economic zone and positively influence Lagos’s agricultural sector,” Samuel noted.
Addressing Price Instability
Food price volatility has long plagued Lagosians, driven by inefficiencies in logistics and supply chains. The Central Logistics Hub aims to tackle this by housing large storage facilities that will reduce spoilage and ensure a steady supply of goods.
“With the hub operational, we expect food prices in Lagos markets to drop significantly,” Sanwo-Olu promised.
Additional Developments
The governor also provided updates on related infrastructure projects, including the construction of middle-level food markets in Ajah, FESTAC, and Oregun. These markets, linked to the main food hub, will further decentralize food distribution across Lagos, reducing transportation costs for traders and consumers.
In addition to agricultural logistics, the state is addressing mental health infrastructure with the Psychiatric Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute in the same area. The first phase of this facility, featuring a 500-bed capacity and specialized rehabilitation services, is expected to be completed by late 2025.
Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in these developments, describing them as milestones in Lagos’s journey towards sustainable urban living. “We are writing our destiny with these projects. They will improve the quality of life for every Lagosian,” he affirmed.
A Legacy of Innovation
Sanwo-Olu’s administration has prioritized innovative solutions to Lagos’s challenges, particularly in food security and healthcare. This commitment reflects global best practices, with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability.
Upon completion, the hub will not only position Lagos as a leader in agricultural logistics but also provide a blueprint for other African cities grappling with similar challenges. “We want a Lagos that can feed itself, a Lagos where food prices don’t skyrocket unnecessarily,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
Future Aspirations
As Lagos moves closer to realizing these goals, residents have expressed optimism about the potential benefits. With reduced food prices and improved healthcare access on the horizon, the initiatives signify a step forward in the state’s development trajectory. Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing these projects on schedule, calling them vital for securing Lagos’s future. “Phase one of the food hub will be equipped with power and road networks by next year. It’s not just about building structures; it’s about empowering people and creating a more livable city,” he concluded.
