The Lagos State Government has reported that construction of its 500-hectare central food logistics hub has reached 70 per cent completion, with the first phase expected to be commissioned before the end of December 2026, subject to a date approved by President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where he discussed the state’s investments in food distribution infrastructure and efforts to strengthen food security.
According to a report published by Vanguard on October 28, the governor said the project was designed to address challenges affecting the preservation, transportation and distribution of agricultural produce.
The facility, located in Epe, Lagos State, is expected to feature cold-chain storage, dry-chain infrastructure and other facilities intended to improve food handling and distribution.
Sanwo-Olu identified post-harvest losses as a major challenge to agricultural productivity and food availability in Nigeria, noting that estimated losses of between 40 and 45 per cent remain a concern.
The percentage refers to the reported scale of post-harvest losses, not a confirmed reduction that the new hub will achieve.
The governor also said the state was working with private-sector partners on plans to mobilise between $3 billion and $4 billion for the broader food systems initiative.
As part of the programme, the government is developing a network of middle-level markets to support the central hub and improve access to food across Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu said nine markets were planned, with five reportedly completed or committed to development. Locations mentioned included Ajao, Agege and Mushin, while another facility was being completed in Festac and an additional market was planned for Ikorodu.
The central logistics hub is also expected to support between 50 and 80 small food-processing and agro-processing industries. These businesses could process agricultural produce sourced from states including Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi and Kwara.
The project will include a trailer park designed to accommodate between 1,000 and 1,500 vehicles, according to the governor’s remarks as reported by Vanguard.
The facilities are intended to strengthen connections between agricultural producers, storage centres, processors and markets, potentially improving the movement of food into Lagos.
However, the project’s actual impact on food prices and post-harvest losses will depend on its operational efficiency, storage capacity, transportation costs and the extent to which farmers and traders can access its services.
The planned commissioning of the first phase would mark an important step in the state’s efforts to improve its food distribution infrastructure. The extent of the benefits will become clearer as the facility begins operations.