Tony Elumelu Commits ₦25 Billion To Boost Lagos Food Security Initiative.
Prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has pledged an impressive ₦25 billion to support the “Produce for Lagos” initiative, a transformative programme aimed at enhancing food security and agricultural productivity in Lagos State. The announcement was made on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, during the official launch of the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund at Lagos House, Ikeja, marking a significant step towards addressing food supply challenges in the state.
The “Produce for Lagos” programme, led by the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), seeks to strengthen partnerships with major food-producing states, improve supply chain efficiency, reduce food costs, and minimise post-harvest losses. It also aims to create sustainable livelihoods across the agricultural value chain, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises agriculture and food security as key national objectives.
Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Heirs Holdings, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, described the donation as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s agricultural future. Speaking at the launch, he highlighted the programme’s potential to tackle youth unemployment by engaging young people in productive agricultural ventures. “We have arable lands, and our young people should not be jobless,” Elumelu stated, calling for collaboration among stakeholders to realise this vision. He further committed the full support of UBA, Transcorp Group, Heirs Holdings, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation to the initiative, underscoring his dedication to economic inclusion and development.
In addition to the ₦25 billion pledge, Elumelu announced an extra ₦1 billion donation to the Lagos State Government, reinforcing his commitment to the state’s food security goals. The funds, channelled through UBA, represent the largest single private-sector contribution to the initiative, which is designed to position Lagos as a reliable off-taker and strategic partner in building a resilient agricultural economy.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who launched the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, emphasised the programme’s role in addressing challenges exposed by COVID-19, climate change, and global supply chain disruptions. He noted that Lagos consumes over half of the Southwest’s food production, highlighting the urgent need for greater self-reliance. The state’s Ministry of Agriculture was rebranded as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in 2024 to reflect the broader social and economic dimensions of food security.
Bisola Olusanya, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, described the initiative as a “history-shaping intervention” that will rewire the food chain, reconnect rural production with urban demand, and reward stakeholders across the value chain. The programme builds on a 2024 memorandum of understanding between Lagos and Niger States to enhance food production and distribution.
Elumelu’s donation has been widely praised as a bold step towards economic empowerment and food security. His longstanding commitment to philanthropy, exemplified by the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s efforts to empower African entrepreneurs, continues to inspire hope across the continent. With this substantial contribution, the “Produce for Lagos” initiative is well-positioned to drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and ensure a more secure food future for Lagosians.
