To boost food security and agricultural development in the Niger Delta, the Executive Management team of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has visited major agri-tech and logistics facilities in Lagos operated by Origin Tech Group Nigeria.
Led by Sir Victor Antie, Executive Director of Projects, the NDDC delegation toured the Lagos Central Food Security and Logistics Park (LHP) in Epe, the Middle Level Market (MLM) in Idi-Oro, Mushin, and the Origin Automobile Works (OAW) plant in Surulere.
The visits aimed to assess existing food and logistics infrastructure and explore opportunities for replicating similar projects in the Niger Delta region.
The Lagos Central Food Hub, developed by Origin Tech Group in collaboration with the Lagos State government, is reputed to be the largest food systems and logistics hub in sub-Saharan Africa.
It is designed to reorganise food distribution, enhance market efficiency, and support smallholder farmers with mechanised tools and supply chain services.
Speaking during the tour, Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, highlighted the company’s efforts in strengthening food systems across Nigeria.
“We are honoured to host the leadership of the NDDC and to engage in discussions aimed at revolutionising the food and logistics landscape of the Niger Delta,” he said.
“This reaffirmation by the NDDC reflects the federal government’s drive to ensure food sufficiency and economic empowerment through agri-tech.”
The NDDC team was taken through several components of the Lagos logistics ecosystem, including cold storage units, processing sections, and distribution networks. They also visited the MLM facility, which provides market access for small-scale traders, and the OAW plant where agricultural machinery and vehicles are assembled locally.
Impressed by what he saw, Sir Victor Antie described the infrastructure as a major leap forward for Nigeria’s food systems. “Seeing is believing,” he said.
“This visit puts into motion a potential strategic and technical partnership between the NDDC and Origin Tech Group. Our goal is to replicate this level of advancement in the Niger Delta as part of our commitment to solving food insecurity and improving rural livelihoods.”
He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on food security and the broader vision of building a self-reliant Nigeria. “With partners like Origin Tech Group, we believe we can transform agriculture into a true engine of growth in the Niger Delta,” he added.
The NDDC delegation included Dr (Mrs) Winifred Madume, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries; Mrs Kunemofa Asu, Director of Finance and Supply; and Hon. Ese Ovie, Chief Consultant to the Commission.
