The Lagos State Government has launched a rice fortification plant at the Lagos State Rice Mill in Imota, a move aimed at reducing rising malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies across the state. The initiative places Lagos among the few regions in Nigeria capable of producing fortified rice at scale.
Speaking at the launch, the governor’s adviser on agriculture said the rice mill has now been upgraded to fortify rice with essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12. He added that because rice is the most consumed staple in Lagos and across the country, improving its nutritional profile is critical to addressing widespread deficiencies, especially among children. He noted that the state now has the capacity to produce high-quality fortified rice that meets both nutritional needs and growing demand.
The adviser commended the governor for expanding Lagos’ agricultural footprint, making the Imota facility one of Africa’s largest rice mills with advanced milling technology and skilled expertise. Representatives from development partners, including a consortium supported by global nutrition organisations, said the new plant will improve access to fortified rice for households across Lagos and Nigeria.
The state’s agriculture ministry described the mill as one of the most advanced globally and said the fortification plant marks an important milestone in Lagos’ drive for food security and sustainability. Officials encouraged residents to embrace the three varieties of rice produced by the mill: fortified rice, classic rice, and eko rice, noting that each provides top-tier quality and essential daily nutrients.
For MSMEs in the food and retail value chain, the new fortification plant means improved access to higher-quality grains, opportunities for healthier product lines, and a more reliable supply of locally processed rice. Strengthening food systems at this scale could also boost agribusiness opportunities across distribution, packaging, logistics, and market expansion.
