Lagos State Government has concluded plans to commence discounted sales of food items across the five state divisions effective from Sunday, March 17, 2024.
This followed Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s promise to launch the initiative as part of measures to cushion effects of the economic crunch in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who disclosed this on Friday, explained that
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the directive to commence the food markets, tagged: “Ounje Eko’ Food Markets.
According to Omotoso, “Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Markets should commence discounted sale of food items across the five divisions of Lagos effective from Sunday, March 17, 2024.
“The food items – rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, among others – will be sold at 25 per cent discount to residents.
“In order to prevent sharp practices and ensure the foodstuff reaches a large number of Lagosians, a voucher system will be introduced as the pilot scheme kicks off.”
Omotoso, explained that independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process as they are expected to also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.
“For the purpose of transparency, prices of the items have also been listed. A 5 kilogram, Kg, bag of rice would sell for N5,325, while 1kg goes for N1,065.
“Also, 5kg bag of Beans – N6,225, while 1kg would sell for N1,245.
“Prices of other staple food items will also be made available through various media outlets,” Omotoso added.
Meanwhile, the markets would be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions, as governor appealed for orderliness, cooperation from members of the public.
“Mr. Governor has called on all Lagosians to cooperate with the operators at the various locations, monitor the process, and provide feedback through official channels of the Lagos State Government,” Omotoso stated.
[Vanguard]