Lagos Trains Millers for Fortified Rice Production

The Lagos State Government has commenced a three-day training program for rice millers and regulatory agencies focused on the production of fortified rice, responding to the increasing global demand for nutritious staple foods. The training aims to equip stakeholders with essential knowledge and skills to produce fortified rice, thereby enhancing the state's rice to tap into the growing international market.

Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, stated that Nigeria's high rice consumption presents an opportunity to improve nutrition through fortification, particularly benefiting children and young people. He noted that rice fortification is relatively new in Nigeria, with only a few mills currently capable of fortifying rice.

The Lagos State Government has introduced Eko Fortified Rice, which contains vital micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. The rice fortification plant was launched at the Lagos State Rice Mill in Imota, Ikorodu, in November 2025, marking a significant step in improving the state's rice value chain.