By Agrobroadcast Team
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems to stimulate private and public investment in the red meat and coconut value chains.
The partnership was advanced during an investment-focused roundtable held on Tuesday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, where stakeholders examined opportunities to scale production, processing and market access across both sectors.
Participants at the meeting emphasized the need for informed decision-making that will attract capital capable of delivering long-term, sustainable and inclusive growth within Lagos’ food economy.
FAO representatives described the initiative as part of a broader effort to build a connected agricultural economy that links farmers to processors, logistics providers and regional markets.
“The focus goes beyond farming. It is about creating an integrated value-chain system that supports production, processing, logistics and trade,” FAO noted.
“By harnessing Lagos’ strong industrial base and commercial reach, this collaboration aims to generate new business opportunities, create quality jobs and engage the state’s growing youth population.
“It also positions Lagos to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while serving as a reference point for agricultural transformation across Africa.”
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Audu, represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Rasheed Macaulay, said the state is well prepared to accommodate and support increased investment in the targeted value chains.
Audu added that FAO’s involvement signals a shared resolve to move from policy conversations to actionable, investment-led interventions that will accelerate food systems development in Lagos State.