By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
With Nigeria’s economy under the strain of soaring inflation, many families have found their budgets stretched to breaking point. Basic food items that were once affordable have become out of reach for the average household. Determined to rewrite this narrative, the Convener of the Inspire Lagos Food Market, Abiola Adebajo, in partnership with the Shomolu Local Government, is leading a transformative initiative to make food affordable again.
Adebajo revealed that, through a partnership, the Inspire Lagos Food Market returned to Shomolu for the second time this year, offering essential food items at a 50 per cent discount. This remarkable reduction is not just a financial relief for thousands of households, a beacon of hope in a time of economic uncertainty.
“Walking through the vibrant stalls of the Inspire Lagos Food Market, you can feel the excitement and gratitude in the air,” Adebajo said. “This initiative doesn’t just speak about change, it lives it.”
Beyond making food affordable, the project also supports local farmers and vendors by sourcing produce directly, bypassing middlemen. This ensures both affordability and sustainability in the food supply chain, while helping vendors boost their income through increased bulk sales.
“We believe no one should have to choose between putting food on the table and meeting other basic needs,” Adebajo emphasised. “Community involvement is key; we want to create a ripple effect that uplifts everyone.”
The Chairman of Shomolu Local Government, Abdul Salawu, praised the partnership, noting that this marks the second Inspire Lagos market in Shomolu in just one month. “This initiative is about care, community, and impact,” he said, adding, “we saw the need and we took action.”
At the market, shoppers register on-site, pay a subsidised fee and receive vouchers worth twice the amount. For instance, a payment of N15,000 gets the buyer N30,000 worth of goods, while N20,000 fetches N40,000 in value. Items include rice, bread, eggs, beef, tomatoes, yams, onions, vegetable oil, palm oil and even live chickens — all offered at half their usual prices.
The project also boosts local trade. Vendors who previously sold in small quantities are now moving large volumes. One yam seller reportedly sold over 500 tubers in a single day.
To maintain fairness and prevent resale, purchasing limits are set between N15,000 and N25,000 per person. “This is about feeding families not restocking shops,” Adebajo clarified.
Both Inspire Lagos and Shomolu LG shared the cost of the 50 per cent subsidy equally—each covering 25 per cent. “This is what community-focused leadership looks like,” Salawu concluded. “We are proud to be part of a movement making a real, tangible difference.”