The Lagos State Government has unveiled a rice fortification plant as part of efforts to tackle rising cases of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies across the state.
The facility, located within the Lagos State Rice Mill in Imota, Ikorodu, was commissioned by Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture. He said the initiative is pivotal, given rice’s position as the most consumed staple in Lagos and nationwide.
“In our continuous effort to improve, I’m pleased to announce that our mill has been optimised to produce high-quality fortified rice,” Fashola said. He added that Lagos now joins the small number of rice mills in the country with the capacity to enrich rice with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12.
According to him, the move not only meets the state’s increasing rice demand but also directly addresses the persistent challenge of malnutrition affecting many Nigerian households, especially children.
Fashola commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and for positioning Lagos as home to one of Africa’s largest, most technologically advanced rice mills.
Ayodele Tella, LSFF Portfolio Lead at TechnoServe, revealed that the project is supported by an international consortium Partners for Supporting Fortified Rice Production in Nigeria including the Gates Foundation and the World Food Programme. The goal, she said, is to ensure that Lagosians and Nigerians have consistent access to fortified rice.
Emmanuel Audu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, described the Imota Rice Mill as “the Rolls-Royce of rice mills globally.” He added that the launch of the fortification plant marks another major milestone in the state’s drive toward food security and sustainability.
Audu encouraged residents to patronise the three varieties produced by the mill fortified rice, classic rice, and Eko Rice stating that they are top-quality options designed to meet daily nutritional needs.