By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin

Kwara State is set to assume a significant role in Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain as Lagos State activates its ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, creating new long-term market routes for farmers across the state.

The development was confirmed by the Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afeez Abolore Alabi, following a strategic meeting with major farmer associations and commodity groups in Ilorin.

Dr Alabi said the Lagos–Kwara collaboration had entered its first phase of implementation, marking the earliest practical activation of a structured offtake framework. He added that discussions with other industry-backed institutions were ongoing, with increasing commitments toward securing guaranteed commodity supply from Kwara.

According to him, the Lagos model—backed by a robust ₦500bn procurement structure—is designed to stabilise supply, shield farmers from price instability and ensure steady access to high-quality produce for Nigeria’s largest food-consuming market.

The Commissioner noted that Kwara’s organised farmer cooperatives, strong production clusters and broad commodity capacity make the state an ideal partner for large-scale offtake commitments.

He added that preparations were also underway to serve the needs of additional organisations seeking similar arrangements.

Dr Alabi described the guaranteed offtake as a “turning point” for farmers who have historically dealt with post-harvest losses and unpredictable market pricing. With an assured buyer and a government-supported system now in place, he said farmers can expand with confidence, knowing their produce is already secured ahead of planting.

He attributed these emerging opportunities to the deliberate agricultural policies of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which emphasise market access, value-chain development and strategic partnerships that open reliable routes for agricultural producers across the state.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Soybeans Association (Kwara Chapter), Mr Olawoyin Yinka Solomon, welcomed the development, describing it as a major breakthrough that addresses farmers’ long-standing concerns about finding reliable buyers after harvest.

He said the Lagos activation and similar interest from other institutions would encourage farmers to scale up production, adopt improved practices and broaden into commodities with rising demand.

He also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for creating what he called a supportive climate for agricultural growth.

Mr Solomon assured that farmers across Kwara are ready to increase output, noting that guaranteed offtake structures safeguard their investments and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Funke Sokoya, underscored the importance of close coordination between the Ministry and commodity groups to meet the supply expectations of the Lagos model and other partnerships under negotiation.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting systems that boost productivity and create a more organised, demand-driven supply chain.