Lagos urges startups to drive innovation in agric

Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems,  Abisola Olusanya, has called on startups and businesses to deepen their involvement in the sector.

Speaking at the inaugural PricePally Impact Summit held in Lagos on Monday, Olusanya stressed the urgent need for more innovative solutions like those provided by PricePally.

The summit focused on the future of sustainable, affordable, and accessible fresh food in Nigeria, drawing stakeholders from across the food value chain from farmers, policymakers, agritech founders, investors, food retailers, and logistics professionals.

Olusanya highlighted the critical role that digital platforms and community-based distribution models had played, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said, “Startups like PricePally have bridged the gap between farmers and consumers, even during disruptions. They create value for both producers and buyers. These are exactly the kinds of businesses the government is looking to support.”

PricePally CEO, Luther Lawoyin, reinforced the vision, stressing the importance of empowering farmers.

“Being a farmer in Nigeria is tough. We want to flip that script. Farmers should be celebrated and financially secure; they are the backbone of our food system,” he said.

Speakers also underscored the importance of inclusivity in agriculture, especially the involvement of women and youth.

He further highlighted initiatives such as agri-call centres engaging women in northern Nigeria and the promotion of urban-friendly techniques like soilless farming.