The Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by partnering with the Lagos State Government to expand market opportunities, improve access for agricultural products, and strengthen economic collaboration. The initiative is aimed at enhancing food security while creating better opportunities for local businesses.
Speaking during the celebration of World Food Safety Day and World Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, the Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, stated that the council is focused on developing stronger market systems that will improve agricultural productivity, increase food security, and raise the income of farmers and entrepreneurs.
Represented by the Vice Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Olayinka Ogunleye, the Mayoress said the council remains dedicated to revitalising the local rural economy and attracting greater private-sector investment into agriculture and enterprise development.
She noted that the LCDA has continued to empower entrepreneurs through business grants, training programmes, and other initiatives designed to support sustainable business growth.
The Mayoress also highlighted the importance of food safety to public health and economic development, especially for MSMEs involved in the food value chain. She explained that ensuring safe food is a shared responsibility that protects consumers, builds confidence, supports businesses, and contributes to economic growth.
She further encouraged farmers, food processors, market traders, restaurant operators, and food vendors to adopt proper food handling, hygienic storage, and effective post-harvest practices. According to her, these measures help reduce waste, improve food quality, and strengthen consumer trust, leading to stronger businesses and more prosperous communities.
The Convener of the programme and Chief Executive Officer of Osoa Foods, Solomon Oyeniran, said the organisation is committed to collaborating with government and other stakeholders to unlock opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural export sector.
He stressed that enabling farmers and small businesses to compete in international markets is vital to increasing Nigeria’s participation in global agricultural trade. He also called for greater integration of MSMEs into agri-processing and export value chains, both as producers and as participants in downstream industries.
Oyeniran emphasised the need to strengthen MSMEs through increased access to capacity-building programmes, affordable financing, microcredit facilities, and wider participation in local, regional, and international markets.
According to him, the programme was designed to improve the competitiveness and market access of Nigerian businesses, particularly MSMEs operating within the food supply chain, while promoting food safety through behavioural and social science approaches.
He explained that the initiative addresses key areas including sanitation control, environmental monitoring, hygienic facility design, sustainable food systems, post-harvest loss reduction through cold-chain technologies, and the use of environmentally friendly packaging.
The programme also seeks to engage producers and processors of fruits and vegetables in the horticultural sector by promoting global best practices in post-harvest management. This, he said, will help reduce foodborne diseases, minimise food losses, and improve compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
He added that improving food safety awareness and preserving the nutritional value of food will contribute to better child development, strengthen the nation’s human capital, and reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with preventable non-communicable diseases.
The event brought together representatives of government agencies, agricultural businesses, food processors, traders, development organisations, and small business operators from across the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA.
