LAGOS COMMISSIONER FOR AGRICULTURE UNVEILS AMBITIOUS STRATEGY FOR MUSHIN FRESH FOOD HUB

 By Jane Osamor

Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State, Abisola Olusanya, marked the completion and commissioning of the Fresh Food Hub in Mushin.

The event, attended by Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, First Lady, Dr Ibijioke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hazmat, Cabinet Members, Lagos traders, farmers, processors, and the general public, was filled with excitement and high expectations for the transformative project.

Commissioner Olusanya described the Mushin Food Hub as a refreshing departure from the conventional market landscape in Lagos and Nigeria at large.

Drawing parallels with facilities in developed nations, the commissioner emphasized its role in realizing the state government’s food security strategy, positioning Lagos as a global market-city destination.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Commissioner Olusanya highlighted the imperative of guiding stakeholders, including market traders, mid-level operators, bulk traders, logistics companies, and consumers, in overcoming entrenched unhygienic practices that have plagued markets across the state.

To tackle this, the commissioner unveiled an ambitious six-month rollout strategy, starting from December 2023 and concluding in June 2024.

The cornerstone of this strategy is the organization of a bi-weekly food fair, aimed at introducing the Mushin Fresh Food Hub to market traders from diverse communities across Lagos.

The primary goal of these fairs is not just to familiarize traders with the new facility but also to instill global best market practices.

Commissioner Olusanya stressed the importance of gaining full buy-in from users, emphasizing the gradual introduction of new market standards. The strategy aims to create a sense of ownership among stakeholders, ensuring the sustainability and future success of this innovative approach to food trade in Lagos.

As the weekly food fairs kick off, the Lagos State Government anticipates a paradigm shift in market dynamics, setting the stage for a more hygienic, efficient, and globally competitive food trade industry in the state.

The Mushin Fresh Food Hub signifies a pivotal step towards reshaping the narrative of markets in Lagos and solidifying the city’s status on the global stage.