Why we launched initiative for 50% off food items
— Adebajo, Inspire Lagos convener

In response to the rising cost of living and growing food insecurity, a new initiative, Inspire Lagos Food Market, has been launched to offer essential food items to Lagos residents at a 50% discount.

The market, which is set to operate across various locations in the city, aims to alleviate the burden on households struggling to afford basic necessities in the current economic climate.


According to the founder of the initiative, Abiola Adebajo, during the recent launch event held in Lagos, “the Inspire Lagos Food Market initiative is a strategic response to the surging inflation and the sharp increase in food prices that have left many Nigerian families grappling with food scarcity. The initiative not only seeks to make food more affordable but also accessible to a wider range of the population, particularly those in low-income communities.

Adebajo, while addressing newsmen at the launch, clamoured for the need to have all hands on deck, if the rising cost of living must be addressed headlong.

“We cannot do this alone. We are partnering local communities, brands, NGOs, philanthropists, political leaders, and the Lagos State government to create sustainable relief for our people. Together, we can amplify our impact to reach even more Lagosians.”

On how the initiative copes with helping traders to sell at a 50 percent discounted price, Adebajo said his team gets sponsors who donate to augment prices of items on behalf of prospective buyers, while adding that more sponsors are needed.

“With successes from market events, we will continue to pitch to more companies who like to do CSR with us, NGOs that have budget and funding for such, philanthropists, political leaders, who want to do such at their constituencies. We crowd fund too,” he added.

Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Adesina Adeniji-Adele, also highlighted the initiative’s innovative approach to convenience.

In his view, “to bring this revolution right to your doorsteps, we’re proud to introduce our online marketplace. Here, you can pre-order your food items with ease and pick them up at the Inspire market location in your Local Government Area. This seamless model ensures your market experience is convenient and tailored to your busy lifestyle.”

With inflation at a record high and the prices of staples such as rice, beans, and cooking oil continuing to soar, the initiative offers a lifeline by slashing food prices by half, allowing more families to maintain a balanced diet despite the financial strain.

Local residents have welcomed the initiative, expressing relief and gratitude. Folake Oyediran, who is a civil servant in Lagos, was at the launch to purchase food items.

“I have bought three items here at a 50 percent discounted price and I am so amazed by that. I hope this will continue,” she said.


The Inspire Lagos Food Market will be a mobile operation, setting up in different neighborhoods on a rotational basis, ensuring that all parts of the city benefit from this initiative.