Lagos State Launches Eko Fortified Rice Initiative

The Lagos State Government has officially introduced "Eko Fortified Rice" to its product line to address malnutrition and enhance the nutritional quality of staples in the state. At a training session for millers and regulators held at the Lagos State Rice Company Limited, Oluwarotimi Fashola, the special adviser on Agriculture and Food Systems, stated that this initiative marks a significant advancement in the state’s rice value chain.

The fortified rice blending facility was established in December 2025 with support from several organizations, including TechnoServe, the World Food Programme, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Fashola emphasized the need for collaboration among millers, regulators, and development partners to ensure consistent production of fortified rice.

Peter Dama, president of the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria, mentioned that the adoption of rice fortification is currently voluntary, with plans for it to become mandatory as infrastructure and capacity improve. Nene Obianwu from SON indicated that standards for fortified rice are being developed in collaboration with NAFDAC and other stakeholders.