The Lagos State Government and China are set to deepen cooperation in agriculture, focusing on technology transfer, research, production and trade. The development follows the participation of a Lagos delegation in the 2026 China-Nigeria Agricultural Technology Cooperation Seminar.
Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture and Food Systems, said the delegation gained practical knowledge about how China has used technology, research, infrastructure, policies and private-sector investment to transform its agricultural sector.
During the programme, the Lagos delegation visited agricultural innovation parks, processing facilities, machinery manufacturers and trade platforms. Participants were exposed to mechanisation, smart agriculture, post-harvest management, food processing, improved seed systems, agricultural data, circular agriculture and value-chain development.
Fashola said Lagos plans to turn the knowledge gained into practical programmes within the state. Areas being considered include technology transfer, stronger research partnerships, youth agricultural technology exchanges, improved seeds, increased food production and better processing facilities. The state also plans to explore opportunities for agricultural trade with China.
The Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, said the Chinese Consulate would support stronger cooperation between Nigeria and China. She also highlighted opportunities for collaboration beyond agriculture, including vocational education, healthcare and new energy.
Why this matters
The partnership could help Lagos farmers and agricultural businesses gain access to modern farming technologies, machinery, improved production methods and processing techniques. It could also create opportunities for young people to develop skills in agricultural technology and help reduce losses that occur after harvesting.
For Lagos, which has limited agricultural land compared with many other Nigerian states, adopting smart farming, mechanisation and improved processing could be particularly important for increasing food production and strengthening the state’s food supply chain.
