Federal Government Invites Stakeholders to Collaborate on South-West Food Security Strategy
The Federal Government has urged state governments and key stakeholders to contribute to the validation of Nigeria’s draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Food Systems Transformation Pathways (FSTP), highlighting the need for a united approach to combat food security issues.
This call to action is part of a three-day biannual review of the FSTP strategy, which began on October 20, 2026, at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event gathers representatives from the South-West region—including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states—alongside academia and development partners.
Dr. Clementina Ebere-Okoro, National Convener of the FSTP, spoke on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
She emphasized the necessity of state and regional input to create a practical framework that addresses real-world implementation challenges.
While we have a draft SOP at the national level, input from states is essential for harmonizing our approach to coordination, implementation, and accountability,” Ebere-Okoro said.
The meeting aims to tackle ongoing food system challenges in Nigeria, including climate change, insecurity, malnutrition, and rising food prices. It seeks to foster stronger coordination and evidence-based decision-making among stakeholders.
In his keynote address, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, underscored the importance of transforming food systems for enhancing food security, creating jobs, and promoting economic growth.
He noted that this transformation encompasses not just agricultural production but also processing, storage, and distribution.
George pointed out Lagos State’s pivotal role as a consumption and distribution hub, making collaboration with other regions essential in addressing issues like post-harvest losses and market inefficiencies.
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, stressed the need for improved food preservation and logistics to enhance availability and reduce inflation.
She argued that inefficiencies in storage and transport significantly contribute to rising food prices.
A lot of our inflation issues stem from preservation and logistics, not just production,” Olusanya remarked, calling for better organization in food markets and enhanced traceability.
She also highlighted the role of technology and infrastructure in creating a more efficient food system, emphasizing the importance of cold-chain facilities and transportation to minimize food losses.
In her welcome address, Lagos State Ministry Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, called for ongoing collaboration among stakeholders to advance the food systems transformation agenda.
She noted that the meeting offers a valuable opportunity to review progress and tackle implementation gaps.
Ojo reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to policy coordination and sustainable development, stressing the importance of resilient food systems for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
The review and validation meeting aims to strengthen stakeholder coordination in implementing Nigeria’s FSTP, ultimately developing a cohesive operational framework for the South-West region.
Participants are expected to identify challenges and contribute actionable recommendations for enhancing food security outcomes.
