Lagos announces locations for discounted food markets

The Lagos government has announced locations for discounted food markets in the state.

On February 22, the Lagos state government announced a series of interventions to ameliorate the prevailing economic hardship on residents.

In a statement on Friday, Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information and strategy, said Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state, directed that the ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets should commence discounted sale of food items across the five divisions of Lagos effective from Sunday.

The commissioner said the food items — rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, among others — will be sold at 25 percent discount to residents.

Omotoso said measures have been put in place to prevent unethical practices in the sale of the food items.

“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 commissioner said.

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“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.”

The commissioner said a 5kg bag of rice will be sold at N5,325, with 1kg selling for N1,065.

Similarly, a 5kg bag of beans will be sold at N6,225, while 1kg will cost N1,245.

He said prices of other staples will also be made available through various media outlets.

Omotoso said 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.