By Funke Cole
Lagosians heaved a sigh of relief when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced plans to resume the Ounje Eko market with a 25 per cent cut in prices on Sunday. Giving this hint was the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, while speaking with newsmen at Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday.
The governor had reportedly pledged the return of the palliative measure during a live press conference on the eve of the recent 10-day nationwide protest, at his office in Lagos. “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we announce the commencement of the ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Discount Market Phase II, an initiative aimed at alleviating the impact of rising food prices on our citizens. This programme aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to supporting Lagos residents through innovative and impactful initiatives”, Olusanya said.
‘Ounje Eko’ Market pilot scheme was introduced on 17 March, this year when the governor ordered that food products at the market be sold at discounted prices in all five divisions of Lagos. Its initial phase, which held across its 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state on Sundays, saw residents enjoyed a 25 per cent discount on a variety of food items, including rice, beans, Garri, bread, eggs and tomatoes, among other items.
Justifying the need for the return, the commissioner noted that it had become expedient dye to the rising food inflation across the country. Olusanya said customers may not buy foodstuffs at the same price everywhere in Lagos despite the 25 per cent discount application, noting that prices varied from location to location.
“If in Ikorodu for instance, 5kg of garri is sold at N5,000, we would use N5,000 as the baseline rate, then we apply the 25 per cent discount on the N5,000. If we take 25 per cent off N5,000, which is N1,250, it means we would be selling the Garri to you at N3,750.
“In the same vein, that same quantity of garri on Lagos Island might be N4,000 baseline. I would take N4,000 as the baseline for Lagos Island, and apply the 25 per cent discount, which comes down to N1,000, that means on Lagos Island, that same garri would be sold at N4,000”, she explained.
Its over six editions reached over 250,000 beneficiaries across the state, ensuring essential food items were accessible to all citizens, regardless of economic constraints. “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we announce the commencement of the ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Discount Market Phase II, an initiative aimed at alleviating the impact of rising food prices on our citizens. The success and wide acclaim of the first phase of the project have shown us the substantial impact such initiatives can have on improving the lives of our citizens. In response to numerous requests from the public, the governor has decided to expand and enhance this initiative”, the commissioner said.
Olusanya noted that the programme became more pertinent with food inflation reaching 40.9, placing the price of staple food items beyond the reach of many households and its attendant social implications.
She explained: “This second phase will commence on Sept. 1, 2024, and will run for eight weeks across 64 locations, including the 57 LGAs/LCDAs, Alausa Secretariat, Lekki Phase 1, University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Lagos State University (LASU). It will also take place at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
“The markets will operate from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Markets at the Alausa Secretariat and the institutions, such as UNILAG, LASU, LASUSTECH, LASUED, and LASUTH, will take place on Fridays.
“However, the market for Mushin LGA will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro. The food items available at the markets will include a maximum cap purchasable of 5kg each for Rice, Beans, and Garri, two loaves of Bread, one crate of Egg, 2kg of Tomatoes, and 1kg each for Pepper, Tatashe, and Onion per individual. It is important to note that the prices of these food items have increased over the past few months, varying from one location to another”.
The commissioner also promised that the markets would operate seamlessly in collaboration with the necessary agencies. “To ensure smooth operations, each market will be managed by a market leader, supported by eight ministry staff, four representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter.
“There will also be two representatives from the LGAs/LCDAs, typically the Head of Department for Agriculture and the Supervisor. We will also receive support from volunteers and local government chairmen.
“In collaboration with Payment Service Providers such as Money Master PSB by GLO, MoMo PSB by MTN, Smartcash PSB by Airtel, Palmpay, Hydrogen by Access Bank, and Traction, all transactions will be digitalised.
“No cash transactions will occur at any market location, enhancing accountability and convenience. For any transaction issues, such as declined but debited transactions, citizens are advised to contact their respective banks.
“We have made provisions to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience at all market locations. Adequate seating, canopies, and convenience facilities will be available.
“For any issues or complaints, citizens should approach the market leader, who will be wearing a branded red reflective jacket, or other staff officials in branded lemon reflective jackets.
“To guarantee safety and orderliness, we are engaging security and support personnel, including the Mobile Police, Rapid Response Squad, and the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency for traffic management and Civil Defence will also be represented, and the Lagos State Ambulance Service for medical emergencies.
“And Lagos State Waste Management Authority for cleanliness during and after the market hours”.