Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on agro and food processing companies to reduce their prices to support Nigerians during the current economic challenges.
The governor made this appeal on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Senior Management Team of Olam Agric Nigeria, led by its Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Anil Nasir, at Lagos House, Marina.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the critical role of agro and food processing industries in ensuring food security. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing people’s survival and sustainability over profitability during these tough times in Nigeria.
“Agro and food processing is a critical industry because food security and food systems are as critical as people trying to safeguard either medical security or even sovereign security in times of war. There is no better security these days than food,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He pointed out the economic hardships faced by Nigerians and stressed the need for private organizations, particularly in the agro and food sectors, to contribute to alleviating these challenges. He urged companies like Olam Agric to consider reducing their prices to make food more accessible.
Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration has implemented several intervention programs to cushion the effects of economic hardship on Lagos State residents and will continue to provide support.
“You must be able to tell your shareholders that you have been in this environment for such a long time, and today it should not be about profit-making. Let us go into this market and just cover our costs and let us pass on. Let the people feel the critical support,” he added.
Mr. Anil Nasir, Managing Director/CEO of Olam Agric Nigeria, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his leadership, particularly in security and making Lagos safe for investments. He expressed the company’s readiness to invest more in Lagos and sought further partnerships with the state government in the agriculture and food sectors.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also received the District Governor of Lions Club International District 404B2 Nigeria, Lion Tolulope Ayodeji Senbanjo, and the District Governors of Rotary International Districts 9112 and 9111, Rotarians Olufemi Adenekan and Oluwole Kukoyi, respectively, at Lagos House, Marina.
During the visits, Sanwo-Olu commended both Lions Club International and Rotary International for their humanitarian efforts in key sectors such as health, education, and transportation. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to partnering with these organizations to enhance the well-being of Lagos residents in line with the THEMES+ developmental agenda.
“We will continue to collaborate with Rotary International and Lions Club International for humanitarian services to make life more comfortable for Lagos residents,” Sanwo-Olu affirmed.
