The Lagos State Government will celebrate about 3,500 agricultural value chain stakeholders at its 2026 World Food Day commemoration, where farmers and businesses are expected to showcase produce and equipment, Voice of Nigeria reported on October 6, 2026. The state is marking the day under the theme "Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow." World Food Day is observed every year on October 16.
A Week of Events Across the State
Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture and Food Systems, announced the programme at a press conference in Lagos. The schedule opened with a road walk on Thursday, October 8, 2026, followed by the Lagos Agric Scholars Quiz Competition on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin. The grand finale will hold at the Ikeja Police College Parade Ground, where Sanwo-Olu is expected as special guest, according to Voice of Nigeria.
Fashola described the commemoration as a rallying point for governments, development partners, farmers, private investors, researchers and communities, and said "innovation is no longer an option but a necessity."
Ministry Points to Processing and Storage Gains
Fashola said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has strengthened processing, storage, logistics, distribution and market linkages in recent years, and has drawn more young people into agriculture and agribusiness. He pledged continued work with farmers, private investors, development partners, research institutions and technology providers.
The ministry's Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Audu, urged the sector to scale up its efforts and work with stakeholders to make affordable, safe and nutritious food available to everyone, Voice of Nigeria reported.
Walk Message: Grow Food at Home
At the awareness walk, Fashola said the state gives out farm lots and settlements to farmers for production, and encouraged residents to grow food at home in small containers such as buckets, bags and tyres, Voice of Nigeria reported on October 9, 2026. "Food security is a social security," he said. He added that younger and more educated people are entering agriculture.
Some farmers at the event asked the government for a more holistic approach to farming and easier access to funding, the same report said.
Food Costs in Context
The events come as food prices remain the main pressure on household budgets. The National Bureau of Statistics put food inflation at 19.57% year on year in August 2026, with month-on-month food inflation slowing to 1.02% from 5.56% in July, Voice of Nigeria reported on September 16, 2026.
Lagos felt the July surge more sharply than most states. NBS data for July 2026 showed Lagos with month-on-month food inflation of 13.48%, the second highest in the country after Adamawa, News Central reported.
FoodPrices Nigeria tracks verified prices of rice, beans, garri, tomatoes, pepper and other staples across Lagos markets, where the state's food security drive will ultimately be measured.