The Lagos State Government is set to launch the ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets on Sunday, offering discounted prices on essential food items across the state.
Residents of Lagos will benefit from a 25% discount on staple food items such as rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, and pepper.
The announcement was made by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement released on Friday.
Omotoso revealed that the initiative aims to make essential food items more affordable for Lagosians.
“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,” the statement read.
“Independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process. They will also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.
“For the purpose of transparency, prices of the items have also been listed. A 5kg bag of rice would sell for N5,325 while 1kg goes for N1,065; 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.
“The markets will be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged all Lagosians to cooperate with the operators at the designated locations, monitor the process, and provide feedback through official channels of the Lagos State Government.
See the full statement below:
‘OUNJE EKO’ FOOD MARKETS OPEN ACROSS LAGOS FROM SUNDAY
Governor Babajide Olusola 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% 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.
Independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process. They will also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.
For the purpose of transparency, prices of the items have also been listed. A 5kg bag of rice would sell for N5,325 while 1kg goes for N1,065; 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.
The markets will be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions.
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.
Gbenga Omotoso
HC, Information and Strategy
