The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has announced the commencement of Phase II of the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme (FSP) to cut down food prices ahead of the yuletide.
The Lagos state Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this in a press briefing on Wednesday in Lagos.
Olusanya described the launch of the Phase 2 of the Ounje Eko Farmers discount programme, as a proactive move by the state to ensure drop in food prices during the yuletide celebration.
“It is my honour to announce the commencement of Phase II of the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme, a critical intervention of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Administration aimed at sustaining food production.
“It will also empower farmers, and stabilise food prices across Lagos State as we approach the yuletide season.
“The Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme was introduced to address one of the most pressing challenges in Lagos State’s agricultural sector; the rising cost of production inputs, especially poultry and fish feeds.
“With feed costs accounting for over 70 per cent of total production expenses, many farmers were struggling to remain in business, threatening food security and protein availability for millions of Lagosians.
“In response, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, launched the first phase of the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme earlier this year,” the commissioner said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ‘Ounje Eko’ Phase 1 FSP recorded over 5,000 farmers benefitting directly from the intervention. Over 993.3 metric tonnes of poultry feed and 265.65 metric tonnes of fish feed were supplied.
The programme sustained the production of 258,000-layer birds resulting in over seven million eggs produced and 177,100 catfish.
“Egg prices dropped from ₦6,000 per crate to between ₦5,000 and ₦5,400.
Olusanya noted that building on the success, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the implementation of the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme Phase II, expanding its reach and scope to provide greater impact and support to farmers across different value chains.
“This phase will include the following interventions: 25 per cent discount on Poultry Feed: Layer Mash, Broiler Starter and Finisher.
“Also, 25 per cent Discount on Fish Feed, with Feed sizes: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm Feed for Hatchery Operations.
As well as, free Distribution of Grains to Pig Farmers across the State to support livestock nutrition and sustainability,” Olusanya said.
She added that the intervention includes the distribution of agricultural equipment and inputs to crop farming clusters across the state to enhance mechanisation and reduce manual labour.
“The equipment procured by the government for the intervention are power tillers, motorised sprayers, solar spraying machines, corn threshers, planters, mini tractors, freezers, electricity generators and pumping machines,” she said.
Olusanya listed others as fish smoking kilns, motorised weeder, plastic tanks, wheel barrows, rain boots, herbicides, cassava graters, cassava pressers, cassava fryer, protective gears, 300kg digital scale, 200kg capacity hanging scale and shovels.
Others are distribution of free bags of fertilizer to crop farmers to boost productivity, 25 per cent discount on Eko Agro mechanisation services and supporting tractorisation and large-scale cultivation.
Olusanya said continuous extension services by government extension agents and service providers to ensure improved productivity and resilient farming systems.
The programme will run in November 2025 across 10 locations statewide at Farm Service Centre, Agege, Agricultural Training Institute, Araga, Epe, Coconut House, Mowo, Badagry, Fish Farm Estate, Odongunyan, Ikorodu, Erikorodo Poultry Estate, Ikorodu, Aiyedoto Poultry Estate, Ojo, Ministry of Agriculture Cooperative Office, Ajah, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Ipaja, Mosan Community Fish Farmers Association, Mosan, and Ibeju-Lekki local government Secretariat, Igando, Oloja.
“The Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme Phase II and accompanying interventions once again affirm the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu’s Administration to building a food-secure Lagos, empowering farmers, and supporting citizens through inclusive agricultural initiatives.
“As with the first phase, participation will be restricted to recognised and registered farmer associations such as the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Lagos State Catfish Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria and Farm Estate and Settlement Associations to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Farmers are advised to register with the necessary association to benefit from this support.
“The programme will follow a well-defined Standard Operating Procedure, including structured verification, inventory, and payment processes, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
“The successful implementation of the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme is built on the strong partnerships established with reputable financial institutions and feed millers,” the commissioner said.
Olusanya also noted that “In the same spirit of driving transformation across the agricultural ecosystem, the ministry will also host the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0 on Thursday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“The event will feature a convergence of innovators, thought leaders, and changemakers driving transformation across the Lagos Agriculture and Food Systems, the summit will bring together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and young agripreneurs.
“The summit will also showcase the winners of the Lagos Agrithon 2025, a platform that spotlights emerging agrifood innovators who are leveraging technology, creativity, and collaboration to redefine agriculture in Lagos State.
“This underscores the state’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in its food systems while providing visibility for startups driving change across the value chain,” she said.
