Lagos Reaffirms Commitment To Data-Driven Agriculture, Tackles Antimicrobial Resistance 

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable, and profitable agricultural sector through the adoption of data-driven solutions and a proactive fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

This assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, during the All Farmers Business Meeting (AFBM 2.0), organised by Rid Labs at the Golden Kharis Event Centre, Ikorodu.

Speaking on the theme “Numbers Don’t Lie: Turning Farm Data into Profits,” Audu, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Fisheries, Mr. Olorunfemi Oniyide, said the future of agriculture rests on facts, figures, and analytics rather than guesswork.

According to him, “Harnessing data is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With accurate statistics, farmers can cut down on losses, increase productivity, and ensure that their agribusinesses are both sustainable and profitable. The Lagos State Government believes that adopting data-driven approaches is the pathway to a secure and modern agricultural system.”

He commended Rid Labs for convening a vital platform where farmers, agripreneurs, scientists, regulators, and investors could share insights, exchange ideas, and explore innovative solutions for agricultural growth.

Audu emphasized that the agricultural sector must embrace technology and analytics to remain competitive in the face of global challenges. He explained that farm-level data helps to monitor performance, reduce risks, and create smarter interventions that ultimately boost profits.

“From monitoring soil quality to tracking livestock health, data provides farmers with actionable insights that eliminate guesswork and promote efficiency,” he noted. “Lagos farmers must begin to see themselves not just as producers, but as agripreneurs who make decisions based on facts, not assumptions.”

He added that the government is committed to supporting farmers in adopting modern tools and digital platforms that make record-keeping, disease monitoring, and market forecasting more efficient.

While acknowledging the opportunities that data presents, Audu also raised concerns about the growing problem of Antimicrobial Resistance in agriculture. He warned that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture remains a serious challenge that threatens not only the agricultural economy but also public health.

“Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have resulted in failed treatments, increased production costs, and higher mortality rates in poultry and fish farming,” he cautioned. “If this trend is not checked, it will erode farmers’ profits and put consumers’ health at great risk.”

To combat this, Audu assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems is working closely with regulators, professionals, and farmers to promote responsible use of veterinary medicines.

He explained that the government is driving initiatives that encourage proper diagnosis before drug administration, continuous training for farmers and veterinary experts, and the development of policies that safeguard both economic and public health interests.

Reiterating the government’s unwavering support for farmers, Audu said Lagos State remains committed to strengthening food systems, driving agricultural innovation, and achieving food security for all residents.

“Food security is a top priority for this administration. We will continue to invest in agricultural innovation, enhance farmers’ capacity, and support agribusinesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment,” he stated.

He noted that the government has been consistent in building partnerships with private organisations, donor agencies, and research institutions to unlock new opportunities and scale up agricultural productivity across the state.

Participants at the meeting lauded the initiative, noting that it provided a crucial opportunity for collaboration and learning. Farmers and agripreneurs highlighted the importance of access to accurate data, capacity building, and responsible practices in overcoming current challenges facing the sector.

Industry experts also echoed the call for innovation, stressing that agriculture must evolve beyond traditional methods if Nigeria is to feed its growing population and reduce dependence on food imports.

The All Farmers Business Meeting is part of Rid Labs’ efforts to empower farmers with knowledge, tools, and connections that enable them to transform agricultural data into sustainable business success.

With Lagos State’s renewed commitment, stakeholders expressed optimism that the sector is on course to embrace a future where agriculture thrives on technology, innovation, and responsibility, ultimately delivering prosperity for farmers and food security for the people.