The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed that its commitment to harness public and private investment through private sector partnership to facilitate food security in the state.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to state governor on Food Security, Mr Sanni Okanlawon, it stated that public and private sector partnership was an important drive to create a mixed sector economy for job creation and the base for expanding social services and environmental sustainability.
“In spite of the global climate change which constitutes challenge to food security, the state government will leave no stone unturned to address these challenges, promote food security and encourage investment in agriculture.
The state government is poised to address poverty and guarantee good health by ensuring wholesomeness in the process and distribution of foods that citizens consume.
It is necessary to monitor the whole process of food handling and distribution until it gets to the final consumers and we are currently proposing setting up Food Marshals Corp.
”This step is in line with the commitment of the present administration to ensure food security and that is part of the reasons why the Food Security office was created,’’ the statement said.
It added that the reason for the visit was for the ministry to extend a handshake to the chamber to attract both foreign and local investors to the sector. It said the special adviser noted that the effort was for the industry to attract both local and foreign investors to Lagos and ensure quick returns on investment.
”The collaboration will result in a win-win situation for the state, the private sector and all stakeholders in the agriculture sector to guarantee food sufficiency and safety,” it stated.
The statement added that the special adviser said that the state government would continue to collaborate with any organisation or individual directly or indirectly contributing to the achievement of food sufficiency and safety.
President of LCCI, Dr Nike Akande, also noted that the chamber was ready to foster collaboration with the Lagos State Government, especially in the agriculture sector.
She said this was because of the urgent need to address the issues of food security and safety which was critical for social stability and security of lives and properties.
