The Lagos State Government on Friday recorded another milestone in its drive to strengthen food and nutrition security as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, commissioned advanced rice fortification equipment and launched the new Fortified Eko Rice at the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota.
Dr. Fashola, while welcoming guests, attributed the achievement to the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noting that Lagos now boasts one of Africa’s largest and most technologically advanced rice mills.
He said the Imota Rice Mill has now been fully optimized to produce high-quality fortified rice enriched with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid and Vitamins B1, B3, B6 and B12. According to him, this places Lagos among the few facilities in Nigeria with the capacity to fortify rice at scale, an innovation he described as critical to addressing the nation’s persistent malnutrition challenge while also meeting the increasing demand for quality rice.
Fashola expressed pride that Lagos is contributing to a practical solution capable of improving the nutritional quality of food consumed by millions. He commended development partners including the World Food Programme, TechnoServe and Partners in Food Solutions for their support in actualizing the project and deploying the cutting-edge equipment commissioned at the event.
He also acknowledged the regulatory guidance provided by NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), noting that their oversight ensured strict adherence to national compliance standards.
Fashola encouraged guests to share in the excitement of Lagos’ expanded capability to produce fortified rice for Nigeria, reaffirming the state’s resolve to continue driving innovation in its food systems.
On his part, Melas Adoko, the Technical Specialist for Food Quality Supply at the United Nations World Food Programme, described the commissioning as a major milestone, noting that the agency’s core mandate is to save lives globally through access to quality food.
He commended the Lagos State Government for prioritising the nutritional needs and general wellbeing of its citizens.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, represented by Mrs. Serah Balogun, encouraged residents to embrace the fortified rice, especially for children.
She explained that the micronutrient-rich rice is beneficial for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive, as it supports healthy growth and development. She added that the product will help address nutrient deficiencies in the average Nigerian meal.
Speaking on behalf of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Chief Standards Officer, Mr. Jimoh Bolaji Gambari, said the initiative offers an opportunity to tackle common food-related health challenges through the introduction of fortified rice.
He noted that the product aligns with Nigeria’s national nutrition strategy, highlighting India as an example of a country that has significantly improved public health through widespread consumption of fortified rice.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Mrs. Funke Odetayo, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the initiative, stressing that rice remains one of Nigeria’s most widely consumed staple foods.
Also speaking, Ms. Ayodele Elizabeth Tella of TechnoServe Solutions said the project represents more than just a production line but a strategic investment in the future of the country, assuring that her organisation will continue to provide logistics and technical support to ensure widespread distribution.
The Director of Rice Value Chain Development, Mr. Wakilu Balogun, lauded the development partners at what he described as an epoch-making moment, noting that the journey to this milestone began a year ago in Kano.
In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, said the event reinforces Lagos State’s commitment to leaving no one behind in its nutrition and food security agenda.
He noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given special attention to the Imota Rice Mill project to guarantee continuous access to nutritious food for residents. Audu also urged women to prioritise Eko Rice when shopping, describing it as the best option available in the market.
