The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has identified Ogun State as the state with Nigeria's most modest year-on-year increase in food inflation, according to its April Consumer Price Index report.
The report revealed that Ogun State recorded a 9.91% year-on-year food inflation increase, positioning it among the states with the slowest rises alongside Ebonyi (7.19%) and Adamawa (9.52%). In contrast, Benue State recorded the steepest year-on-year food inflation rise at 51.76%, followed by Ekiti (34.05%) and Kebbi (33.82%).
Notably, Ogun State also exhibited a decrease in food inflation on a month-on-month basis, further highlighting the effectiveness of its economic policies.
Strategic Agricultural Initiatives
Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration has implemented several agricultural initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and ensuring food security. These include the large-scale rice farm in Magboro, Obafemi Owode LGA, which spans 200 hectares of land with 200 farmers producing seven metric tons yield per hectare, translating to 1,400 metric tons of milled rice per cycle.
The state government has also established the Soilless Farm Lab at Awowo, Ewekoro, and launched the Ogun Youth Agricultural Programme, which leverages soilless technique to produce agripreneurs. Additionally, the administration supports farmers through the provision of fertilizers, seeds, and agro-chemicals at subsidized rates.
"We know how many farmers we have, we know their demography, we know what they are planting, we know the volume we produce, and we also have their contact numbers," Governor Abiodun stated, highlighting that Ogun is the first state in Nigeria to have a State Farmers' Management Information System.
Infrastructure and Investment
The Ogun State government is also building Farmers' Markets across the state to link farmers directly to consumers. During an assessment of the Farmers' Market in Asero, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun revealed plans to build a massive farmers' market along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, inspired by one of the largest farmers' markets in Europe that he visited in France.
In a move to drive industrial growth and support agricultural production, the state recently announced a strategic partnership with Ambar Energia, a leading Brazilian energy company, to establish power plants across the state. This initiative aims to provide reliable power supply for both residents and the over 6,000 industries operating within the state.
"The energy needs of our state are enormous. The current allocation is grossly inadequate. With this partnership, we aim to bridge that gap and unlock the full industrial potential of Ogun State," Governor Abiodun stated during a meeting with Ambar Energia's delegation.
Economic Relief Measures
Beyond agricultural initiatives, the Abiodun administration has implemented various economic relief measures that have contributed to controlling inflation. These include the introduction of CNG-powered buses, tricycles, and motorcycles to reduce transportation costs, approval of palliatives for workers, and financial support for students and parents during the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal.
The state has also created markets selling food at subsidized rates and was among the first states to announce a new minimum wage for workers.
With over 12,000 square kilometers of arable land and more than 200,000 registered farmers actively engaged in diverse food crop production, Ogun State continues to strengthen its position as a major contributor to Nigeria's food security efforts.
