A multi-billion investment agricultural logistics hub being promoted by the Lagos State Government is set to bring global food business opportunities, jobs and economic development to Epe and its environs. DANIEL ESSIET reports.
Under a multi-billion naira development plan, Ketu-Ereyun in Epe in Lagos State is set to host Africa’s largest food logistic park.
Christened: “Lagos State Central Food Security system and Logistics Hub”, the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, inaugurated the state-of-the-art logistics facility that will deliver new opportunities for truck transport, as well as spaces for trans-loading, warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing.
Under a public-private partnership between the state government, Origin Group, African Development Bank and Providus Bank, the hub is expected to spur jobs and economic development in the state.
Located in the heart of Epe, it is situated between many rural business corridors.With access to major trade routes, Sanwo-Olu sees it as a game-changer, not only for the area, but also for the entire state, adding that the development will attract agribusiness processing firms due to high demand for consumer food products.
He said: “When completed, the hub will create wealth for more than five million people, feed more than 10 million Lagosians, provide food for at least 90 days, provide storage facilities for more than 1,500 trucks per day, service the needs of thousands of operators per annum, and process large commercial transactions.The project will ensure the highest consideration for consumer protection.
“Also, specialised logistics and centralised procurement systems on a produce-by-produce basis shall be the major operational system within the hub.”
The government is also establishing a professional cargo hub airport in Epe, to improve the transport efficiency of air freight and further promote the state’s opening up.
As a logistics hub, the governor expects the cargo airport to form a new comprehensive logistics network that will enable freight planes to operate at full capacity, hence improving transportation efficiency.
With the proposed cargo airport, farmers could freight their produce to reach several parts of the country.
Located in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, the hub project, will consist 22,500 square metres dry storage facilities, 22,500 square metres cold storage facility, 9,000 square metres dry storage facilities, fresh food dealing facilities, administrative facility, a fuel station and 22,500 square processing facility.
Others are a modern clinic, fire station, police station, six-lane toll gate with Gate House, 500-trailer/truck park housing facility. The hub will have a waste recycling facility, and a Power Generation Plant (900 mW).
For the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, Epe is noted for agriculture and farm-related industries. Perfect for planting business roots, Epe is home to vast tracts of some of the most fertile farmland in Lagos, allowing for large harvests of an impressive variety of crops. However, the place needed a hub to provide improved facilities for companies operating in the agrofood sector.
As such, according to her, the logistics hub makes the perfect backdrop to the food processing industry.
The move, according to her, is part of Lagos plan to bolster its position as one of the major transformation destinations for agricultural, horticultural and fishery products.
She said: “Upon completion, the Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Hub will unleash the huge potential in both the midstream and downstream sectors of the agricultural and foods sector. This project will further reaffirm the State as the preferred market destination for agricultural produce along the West African corridor.
“I believe the project’s enormity and scope will change the economic landscape of Epe and Lagos as a whole. No doubt, it would lead to an influx of services in sectors such as real estate sector, banking, logistics, hospitality sector and a host of others.”
Chairman, Origin Group, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, sees advanced manufacturers supporting the agribusiness supply chain, from fork lift operators to hops producers moving into the area.
As the hub of agriculture, Prince Samuel, believes the hub will be well-equipped to meet the needs of businesses looking to relocate or expand.
Former Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Aderemi Kuforji, described the project as strategic.
He said the hub would support cost-efficient agro-processing and raise the area’s high agricultural potential.
Managing Director, Providus Bank, Walter Akpani, said Lagos is on path to achieving food security. He said the first phase of the project would cost N60 billion. He said the bank was happy to part of the project.
According to Chairman, Lagos House Committee on Agriculture, Kehinde Joseph, the project supports the government’s vision of unlocking productive sectors and improvement of logistics services.
Joseph expressed faith that the hub would strengthen the food system, support production, improve processing, distribution and aggregation and market opportunities. He reiterated the readiness of the House to support the state government to make meaningful investments to build a food system that delivers greater value to the economy.