The Lagos State Government has trained rice millers and regulatory officials on rice biofortification as part of efforts to improve food security, enhance nutrition and raise the quality of locally produced rice.
The training programme, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, was held at Imota on Thursday.
The initiative focused on improving knowledge around fortified rice production and strengthening the capacity of stakeholders involved in the rice value chain.
Speaking at the event, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the government remained committed to increasing both the volume and nutritional value of rice produced in the state.
Fashola said the workshop was designed to build industry capacity, promote knowledge sharing and encourage the production of healthier rice products for consumers.
He said the training marked an important step in improving the nutritional quality of rice consumed by Nigerians.
According to him, the Lagos State Rice Company Ltd. has continued to support the development of the rice sector through its products, including Eko Rice Farm Fresh and Eko Rice Classic.
He announced that the company had expanded its product line to include Eko Fortified Rice, aimed at providing consumers with a more nutritious rice option.
Fashola explained that the fortified rice facility at the company’s mill was installed in December 2025 through collaboration with development partners.
He acknowledged the contributions of organisations including TechnoServe, World Food Programme, Partners in Food Solutions, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and DSM-Firmenich for their support.
He said the partners contributed blending equipment, technical expertise, training support and fortified rice kernels needed to begin large-scale fortified rice production.
The agriculture adviser stressed that successful biofortified rice production requires cooperation among government agencies, millers, regulators, laboratories, development organisations and other stakeholders.
He said the knowledge acquired during the training should translate into improved production practices, stronger quality control systems and compliance with safety standards.
“Producing fortified rice consistently and to the highest standards is a collective responsibility,” Fashola said.
He described Lagos as a strategic player in Nigeria’s food system because of its large consumer population and role as a major food market.
According to him, improving rice quality and nutrition remains part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve access to healthier food.
Fashola encouraged participants to actively apply lessons from the training and collaborate with other stakeholders to improve the rice industry.
He also praised regulatory agencies for ensuring that food products meet required quality and safety standards.
The adviser expressed the state government’s willingness to continue supporting partnerships aimed at improving Nigeria’s rice value chain.
Rice biofortification involves improving the nutritional quality of rice by increasing essential nutrients through specialised production and processing methods.
Fortified rice is often used as part of food security strategies because rice is a major staple food consumed by millions of people.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest rice producers and consumers.
Government agencies have continued to focus on: Increasing local rice production, reducing dependence on imported rice, Improving food quality, Supporting farmers and processors.
