The Lagos State Government has taken a major step toward boosting food and nutrition security with the commissioning of advanced rice fortification equipment and the official unveiling of Fortified Eko Rice at the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota.
Eko Hot News reports that the landmark development was announced by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, who described the achievement as another testament to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to delivering healthier, high-quality food options to Lagosians and Nigerians at large.
Dr Fashola noted that the Lagos Rice Mill—already one of Africa’s largest—has now been upgraded to produce premium fortified rice enriched with key micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, and Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12. The fortified product, he added, positions Lagos among the select locations in Nigeria capable of producing micronutrient-rich rice at scale, a critical intervention in combating malnutrition and improving public health.
He acknowledged the contributions of global and local partners, including the World Food Programme, TechnoServe, Partners in Food Solutions, and regulatory support from NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). According to him, the fortification milestone reflects Lagos’ unwavering commitment to expanding food production capacity while driving nutrition-focused reforms that directly benefit residents.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, highlighted the significant health impact of micronutrient fortification, describing it as one of the most effective strategies for preventing nutrition-related diseases. Represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Ms Sarah Balogun, Dr Ogunyemi explained that fortified rice will help reduce anaemia, strengthen immunity, support cognitive development, and improve overall wellbeing—particularly for children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups.
She emphasised that since rice is consumed daily in millions of Lagos households, fortifying it ensures broad health benefits without requiring any change in dietary habits. She assured residents that Fortified Eko Rice meets strict safety and quality standards and encouraged Lagosians to embrace the product as part of a healthier lifestyle.
