Residents of Lagos State can look forward to a healthier and more nourishing festive season following a major intervention by the state government. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration has officially launched Fortified Eko Rice and commissioned advanced fortification equipment at the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota.
Strategic Boost for Food and Nutrition Security
The landmark initiative, driven by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, was announced in a statement on the state's official social media platform. It represents a core part of the government's strategy to strengthen food and nutrition security for millions of Lagosians.
At the unveiling ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, hailed the project as evidence of Governor Sanwo-Olu's dedicated leadership. He revealed that the Imota Rice Mill, already one of the largest in Africa, has been upgraded to produce rice enriched with critical micronutrients.
The fortified rice contains essential vitamins and minerals including iron, zinc, folic acid, and B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, and B12). This technological advancement positions Lagos among the elite states in Nigeria with the capacity for large-scale production of fortified staple food.
Collaborative Effort for Public Health
The successful execution of this project was made possible through collaboration with key partners. The World Food Programme (WFP), TechnoServe, and Partners in Food Solutions provided crucial support, while regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) ensured the product meets stringent international quality and safety benchmarks.
Dr. Fashola reaffirmed the state's commitment to policies that prioritize nutrition, innovation, and increased local food production to benefit all residents.
Health Experts Applaud Nutritional Benefits
The health implications of this launch are significant. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Ms. Sarah Balogun, described fortified rice as a major boost for public health.
She emphasized that fortifying widely consumed staple foods is one of the most effective strategies to prevent nutrition-related illnesses. This is particularly vital for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
The consumption of Fortified Eko Rice is expected to help reduce cases of anaemia, strengthen immune systems, support cognitive development, and improve overall health outcomes. Since rice is a daily staple in most Lagos households, integrating nutrients directly into it allows for improved public health without requiring changes to people's dietary habits.
Dr. Ogunyemi encouraged all residents to embrace Fortified Eko Rice for its superior nutritional value, assuring the public of its safety and quality. This initiative aligns with the broader state vision of building a healthier and more resilient population.
The launch of Fortified Eko Rice in December 2025 is timed to ensure Lagosians have access to nutritious food during the Christmas celebrations, marking a concrete step towards sustainable food security and improved well-being in Nigeria's commercial capital.
