The Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, has announced that the long-awaited disbursement of the pledged N750 million Lagos Trader Money to benefit 15,000 traders across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos State is set to begin this month.
The commissioner confirmed the impending disbursement during the Lagos Food Systems’ Champions Sensitisation for Market Women event held at the Mid-level Agro-Produce Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin. This financial intervention was initially announced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the unveiling of the Mid-level Agro-Produce Hub in the Mushin area of the state in December 2023.
According to the commissioner, “Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Government had disclosed that government has introduced an intervention program for all market men and women. The Market/Trader Money is designed to support 15,000 beneficiaries, with each recipient receiving N50,000 from the government. Each local government will nominate 200 individuals.”
Commissioner Olusanya highlighted that the N750 million Lagos Trader Money initiative, aimed at supporting market men and women across the state, will kick off this month, benefiting 15,000 individuals in total across 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.
Furthermore, the state government plans to establish additional food hubs throughout Lagos State, generating more employment opportunities, particularly for women. The creation of these food hubs will empower small farms to harness the growing potential in the agricultural sector, while also addressing issues of waste management and strengthening food security within the state.
“The development of agri-food hubs will also serve to enhance the export of agricultural products,” said Commissioner Olusanya. She elaborated that the establishment of agro logistics food hubs aims to improve product quality and explore markets, thereby fostering continuous growth within the sector. Additionally, the government is collaborating with local government councils to expand packaging facilities.
The proposed Fresh Food Agro-Hubs in Agege and Ajah, along with the Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub, will be accessible to the markets. These initiatives will not only increase agricultural output but also uplift the livelihoods of farmers and the wider community.
As the disbursement of the N750 million Lagos Trader Money program draws nearer, it is expected to provide much-needed support to traders, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen the agricultural landscape in Lagos State.