(DDM) – Lagos State has launched a fortified rice initiative aimed at improving nutritional outcomes and addressing widespread micronutrient deficiencies across Nigeria.
DDM gathered that the program introduces a new fortified Eko Rice brand, enriched with iron, zinc, cobalamin (Vitamin B12), folic acid, pyridoxine, niacin, and thiamine, produced through a newly commissioned rice kernel blending machine.
The initiative positions Lagos to tap into the rapidly expanding global fortified rice market, projected to grow from $20.8 billion in 2023 to $36.6 billion by 2033, driven by rising concerns over malnutrition and demand for cost-effective nutritional interventions.
Experts emphasise that large-scale rice fortification is critical to combating deficiencies such as anemia, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria where staple consumption is high.
Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, described the launch as a major milestone in Lagos’ food security agenda.
He stated that the optimized mill is now capable of producing high-quality fortified rice and that Lagos is among the few states in Nigeria with the capacity to enrich rice with essential vitamins and minerals.
Fashola explained that the fortification effort addresses both rising rice consumption and the country’s ongoing malnutrition challenges, while also improving the nutritional quality of food available to residents.
The fortified rice will be incorporated into Lagos’ school feeding program, benefiting vulnerable groups including pregnant women, infants, and the elderly.
Global development partners such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and TechnoServe are supporting the project to enhance technical capacity within Nigeria’s rice processing sector.
Ayodele Tella, LSFF Portfolio Lead at TechnoServe, reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to expanding rice fortification and accelerating its adoption nationwide.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu, highlighted ongoing investments in advanced processing facilities to ensure consistent quality and meet rising domestic demand.
He stressed that fortified rice enriched with essential vitamins and minerals can significantly reduce nutrient deficiencies among Nigerians.
Melas Adoko, Technical Specialist in Food Quality Supply at the WFP, said the organization fully backs Lagos’ fortification efforts and intends to improve the quality of school meals through enhanced nutrition programs.
The WFP will continue supporting millers to adopt and invest in fortification technology, reinforcing sustainable food security and nutrition goals in the country.
Globally, the rice market remains on a growth trajectory, with forecasts projecting 889 million tonnes and a value of $634.8 billion by 2035.
China and India dominate global production and consumption, accounting for over half of totals, while international trade continues to expand with imports and exports reaching 57 million and 59 million tonnes, respectively.
The Lagos initiative reflects both local and global efforts to enhance food security, improve dietary quality, and harness the economic potential of fortified staple foods.