World Bank in 8 years spends N75b on agric in Lagos, others

The World Bank has spent about $380 million (about N75, 240,000, 000) on agriculture in Lagos and some  other states in the last eight years, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, has said.

Speaking to reporters yesterday in Alausa, Ikeja, he said the $200 million Fadama grant was accessed by six states while the $180 million was accessed by five states, including Lagos.

Lawal said $180 million was spent on Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) while $200 million was spent on National Fadama Development Project (FADAMA).

He explained that Lagos was  selected among six others to benefit from the $25 million grant from the World Bank through the Federal Government for this year because of the performance recorded.

The commissioner added that about 3,000 birds were killed during recent onset of bird flu in Lagos State, saying about 2,000 birds were killed in one farm, 500 birds each in two other farms.

He also said 10 birds were also killed in a zoo on the Lekki axis, affirming that there is currently no incident of bird flu in the state.

Lawal added that most of the food requirement of the state is currently being met  through food importation from other state.

'At the end of 2014, our internal production has been 10 per cent which is an increase of seven per cent from three per cent  in Pre-2007,' he said adding that the target of Lagos is to hit 25 per cent by 2018.

According to him, the asset base of cooperative societies in Lagos state is now N60 billion and that there are about 6, 500 cooperative societies in Lagos out of which only 2, 700  have been revalidated and confirmed active.