Lagos trains rice millers to expand fortified rice production
By Aboki Forex —
The Lagos State Government has commenced training for rice millers and regulatory agencies on fortified rice production, aiming to improve nutrition and strengthen the state's rice value chain. The three-day programme, held in Lagos, is designed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to produce fortified rice while preparing the industry for the growing global market.
Data from the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service shows Nigeria's rice consumption is expected to rise to 8.6 million metric tonnes in the 2025/26 marketing year. That is a 5% increase from the 8.2 million tonnes projected for the previous marketing year.
Fortification as a nutrition tool
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, said Nigeria's high rice consumption makes the staple an effective vehicle for delivering important nutrients to millions of people. "Rice is the singular food product that best reaches everybody, from the youngest to the oldest," Fashola said.
He explained that fortifying rice could help provide essential micronutrients, especially to children and young people, because of how widely the staple is consumed. Fashola noted that rice fortification is still new in Nigeria. "Rice fortification is still in its infancy. There are only about six rice mills that have the capacity for fortification across Nigeria," he said.
Eko Fortified Rice and market outlook
Lagos has introduced Eko Fortified Rice as part of its rice product range, alongside Eko Rice Farm Fresh and Eko Rice Classic. The fortified variety contains important micronutrients such as iron, folic acid and vitamin B12.
The state launched its rice fortification plant and Fortified Eko Rice at the Lagos State Rice Mill in Imota, Ikorodu, in November 2025. The government said the facility is one of the few rice mills in Nigeria equipped to fortify rice with essential micronutrients.
The global fortified rice market is expected to grow to $38.4 billion by 2035. Fashola stressed the need to increase production capacity while creating greater awareness among consumers about the nutritional benefits of fortified rice. He said Lagos would continue collaborating with rice millers, regulatory bodies and development partners to promote fortified rice and improve the state's rice value chain.
What it means for the naira
Expanding local fortified rice production supports the Lagos rice value chain and reduces pressure on food imports. Lower reliance on imported rice helps preserve foreign exchange, a key concern for Nigerian businesses and consumers watching the naira.