The Lagos State Government will on September 1 (Sunday) commence the Phase 2 of the food discount market programme.
Known as ‘Ounje Eko’, the initiative aims at alleviating the impact of rising food prices on the citizens.
During the Phase 1 of the program, selected food items, including rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, tatashe, and onions, were sold at discounted rate of 25 per cent.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Ikeja.
According to her, the second phase will run for eight weeks across 64 locations, including the 57 LGAs/LCDAs, Alausa Secretariat, Lekki Phase 1, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
As of July, Nigeria’s food inflation stood at 39.53 percent. Olusanya said in response to numerous requests from the public, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has decided to expand and enhance the initiative.
She explained that the food items available at the markets will include a maximum cap purchasable of 5kg each for rice, beans, and garri, 2 loaves of bread, 1 crate of Egg, 2kg of tomatoes, and 1kg each for pepper, tatashe, and onion per individual.
“This second phase will commence on September 1, 2024 and will run for 8 weeks across 64 locations, including the 57 LGAs/LCDAs, Alausa Secretariat, Lekki Phase 1, University of Lagos and the Lagos State University. It will also take place at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Lagos State University of Education and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. The markets will operate from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Markets at the Alausa Secretariat and the institutions, such as UNILAG, LASU, LASUSTECH, LASUED, and LASUTH, will take place on Fridays. However, the market for Mushin LGA will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro. The food items available at the markets will include a maximum cap purchasable of 5kg each for rice, beans, and garri, 2 loaves of bread, 1 crate of egg, 2kg of tomatoes, and 1kg each for pepper, tatashe, and onion per individual. It is important to note that the prices of these food items have increased over the past few months, varying from one location to another,” Olusanya said.
To ensure smooth operations, she stated that each market will be managed by a market leader, supported by eight ministry staff, four representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter as well as two representatives from the LGAs/LCDAs.
“We will also receive support from volunteers and local government chairmen. In collaboration with Payment Service Providers such as Money Master PSB by GLO, MoMo PSB by MTN, Smartcash PSB by Airtel, Palmpay, Hydrogen by Access Bank, and Traction, all transactions will be digitalised. No cash transactions will occur at any market location, enhancing accountability and convenience. For any transaction issues, such as declined but debited transactions, citizens are advised to contact their respective banks.
“We have made provisions to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience at all market locations. Adequate seating, canopies, and convenience facilities will be available. For any issues or complaints, citizens should approach the market leader, who will be wearing a branded red reflective jacket or other staff officials in branded lemon reflective jackets,” the commissioner said.