The BATN Foundation and the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening food security, improving farmers’ livelihoods and building a more resilient agricultural ecosystem. This commitment was made following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Eko World Food Day celebration, which was held on Friday, October 16, at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja. The event brought together government officials, farmers, agripreneurs, financial institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
The 2026 Eko World Food Day celebration, themed: “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” featured exhibitions, market linkages, knowledge-sharing sessions and stakeholder engagement. These activities reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing food security challenges while creating economic opportunities across the agricultural sector. Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event. He highlighted the state’s ambition to increase food sufficiency from approximately 20 per cent to 40 per cent of its food demand through a comprehensive five-year agricultural and food systems roadmap.
The five-year agricultural and food systems roadmap prioritises infrastructure and markets, production and processing, human capital development, innovation and farmer support. Key interventions include the development of a central food security and logistics hub, middle-level agricultural produce hubs and last-mile distribution networks. Dr. Hamzat commended the BATN Foundation and other development partners for supporting the state’s agricultural development agenda, noting that sustained collaboration remains critical to building a food system that is resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the administration’s efforts to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain. These efforts include investments in agricultural training, mechanisation, processing, livestock development, aquaculture and food distribution infrastructure. The initiatives reflect a strategic shift towards treating agriculture as an interconnected ecosystem where farmers, processors, traders, logistics providers, financial institutions and consumers all play vital roles in ensuring food security.
The BATN Foundation has been a key partner in the Lagos State Government’s efforts to strengthen food security. Board Director of BATN Foundation, Ruth Owojaiye, highlighted the impact of the Foundation’s partnership with the Lagos State Government. Since 2019, the initiative has improved the livelihoods of more than 4,000 smallholder farmers, engaged over 10,000 shoppers and facilitated millions of naira in income for participating farmers. The Eko World Food Day demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating economic opportunities for farmers and agripreneurs while strengthening connections across the agricultural value chain.
The BATN Foundation has invested more than N5 billion in empowerment initiatives and reached over 1.9 million beneficiaries through interventions such as agricultural training, input support and improved access to water. The Foundation’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development is evident in its efforts to provide women, youth, rural communities and smallholder farmers with the knowledge, resources, technology and partnerships needed to thrive within the agricultural economy. Achieving long-term food security will require continued investment in these groups.
The 2026 Eko World Food Day celebration underscored the importance of connecting people to opportunities, demonstrating how stronger partnerships can create lasting economic value while advancing food security for all. The event showcased the growing impact of long-term partnerships in addressing food security challenges while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses. The BATN Foundation and the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems have set a precedent for collaboration in achieving food security in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government aims to increase food sufficiency from 20% to 40% of its food demand through a comprehensive five-year agricultural and food systems roadmap.
- The BATN Foundation has improved the livelihoods of over 4,000 smallholder farmers and facilitated millions of naira in income for participating farmers since 2019.
- The BATN Foundation has invested more than N5 billion in empowerment initiatives and reached over 1.9 million beneficiaries through various interventions.
