Lagos launches rice fortification plant to tackle rising malnutrition

The Lagos State Government has launched a rice fortification plant to address rising malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in the state.

Oluwarotimi Fashola, special adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture, launched the rice fortification plant at Lagos State Rice Mill, Imota, Ikorodu. He said rice fortification will help the country address micronutrient deficiencies.

Fashola emphasised the significance of fortified rice as a crucial element to combat micronutrient deficiencies, as the grain is the most consumed staple in the state and across the country.

“In our continuous effort to improve, I’m pleased to announce that our mill has been optimised to produce high-quality fortified rice,” he said.

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“This achievement positions us among the very few rice mills in Nigeria with the capacity to fortify rice with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, and Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12,” Fashola noted.

“By fortifying our rice, we are not only meeting the demand for rice in the country, but we are also addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition, which remains a challenge for many Nigerians,” he added.

According to him, Lagos is proud to be part of the solution by improving the nutritional quality of food available to the people, especially children.

He appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and for making Lagos home to one of the largest rice mills in Africa, equipped with state-of-the-art milling technology and expert knowledge.

Speaking also at the launch, Ayodele Tella, LSFF portfolio lead, TechnoServe, said a consortium called Partners for Supporting Fortification Rice Production in Nigeria, including the Gates Foundation, World Food Programme, partnered with the state in launching the rice fortification plant.

She noted that the aim of the consortium is to ensure that the average Lagosian and Nigerian have access to fortified rice to address the country’s high micronutrient deficiency.

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Also, Emmanuel Audu, permanent secretary at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, said Lagos has taken strategic steps to ensure food security and sustainability.

“This rice mill is known as the Rolls-Royce of all rice mills globally.” “We thank Gov. Sanwo-Olu for investing so much in terms of resources and oversight to ensure that this rice mill remains top-notch and remains number one.”

He noted that the launch of the fortification plant is another milestone and that the state will not rest on its oars but will continue to strive for excellence in every form and sector of the economy.

He urged Lagosians to patronise the three varieties of rice produced by the state – fortified rice, the classic rice, and eko rice, saying they are top-quality brands that provide the necessary daily nutritional requirements.

Josephine Okojie-Okeiyi is a journalist with over five years’ reporting experience. She writes on industry, agriculture, commodities, climate change, and environmental issues. She is fellow of Thomson Reuters Foundation and Bloomberg Media Initiative for Africa.

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