The Lagos State Government has called on startups and private sector players to ramp up innovation within the agriculture ecosystem to ensure food security and promote sustainability across the value chain. The call was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, during the maiden edition of the PricePally Impact Summit held in Lagos on Monday.
Speaking at the event, which convened critical stakeholders from various segments of the food and agriculture sector — including farmers, agritech entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, retailers, and logistics experts — Olusanya highlighted the pressing need for solutions that leverage technology and community-driven models to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria’s food systems.
She praised the efforts of digital platforms such as PricePally, noting their role in enhancing market access and distribution efficiency, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional supply chains were disrupted.
“Startups like PricePally have played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between rural farmers and urban consumers, ensuring food reaches the people even in uncertain times. These are the kinds of innovations and models the government is eager to support — businesses that create value for both producers and end-users,” Olusanya stated.
The Commissioner stressed that the future of food in Lagos and Nigeria at large lies in collaborative efforts that prioritise sustainability, affordability, and inclusivity, urging more startups to explore tech-driven agricultural solutions.
PricePally’s CEO, Mr. Luther Lawoyin, also addressed participants at the summit, reaffirming the company’s mission to uplift smallholder farmers and transform their economic prospects. He acknowledged the difficulties farmers face in Nigeria and emphasized the importance of restructuring the narrative around agriculture.
“Being a farmer in Nigeria is tough, but it shouldn’t be. Farmers are the foundation of our food system. We want to ensure they are financially secure and celebrated for the vital work they do,” Lawoyin said.
Other speakers at the summit spotlighted the critical importance of inclusivity within the agriculture space, particularly the active participation of women and youth. Initiatives such as agri-call centres involving women in Northern Nigeria were cited as examples of targeted interventions helping to drive engagement and empowerment.
Participants also explored innovative urban farming methods such as soilless agriculture, which is gaining traction as a solution to limited land availability in cities.
The PricePally Impact Summit concluded with a renewed commitment from both public and private sector players to deepen collaboration and support for emerging agritech solutions, with a shared goal of building a more resilient and accessible food system across Nigeria.
