Lagos Launches Fortified Rice to Boost Nutrition, Food Security

The Lagos State Government has unveiled a fortified rice initiative aimed at enhancing nutrition and strengthening food security across the state. The move positions Lagos to tap into the rapidly expanding global fortified rice market, which analysts project will grow from $20.8 billion in 2023 to $36.6 billion by 2033.

Officials say the global push for large-scale rice fortification is driven by increased concerns over malnutrition and the need for affordable nutritional interventions, particularly in developing regions. Experts note that rice fortification in Nigeria is critical to tackling widespread micronutrient deficiencies, including anemia.

In response, Lagos has commissioned a fortified rice kernel blending machine and introduced a new fortified Eko Rice brand enriched with iron, zinc, Vitamin B12, folic acid, pyridoxine, niacin, and thiamine. The initiative represents a major milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to expand access to nutrient-rich foods.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, described the project as a significant achievement for Lagos. He noted that the state’s rice mill has now been upgraded to produce high-quality fortified rice that meets global standards.

He explained that the fortified rice programme responds to the growing demand for safe, nutritious staples while also addressing persistent health challenges linked to poor dietary intake. The fortified Eko Rice brand is expected to play a vital role in improving the nutritional well-being of vulnerable groups across the state.

“In our continuous effort to improve, I’m pleased to announce that our mill has been optimized to produce high-quality fortified rice,” he said. “This is no small feat. By fortifying our rice, we are not only meeting demand but also addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition, which remains a challenge for many Nigerians.”

“We are proud to be part of a solution that can make a tangible difference in improving the nutritional quality of food available to our people,” he added, reaffirming that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader food security agenda.

The state government disclosed that the fortified rice will be integrated into the Lagos school feeding programme to support children, pregnant women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with global development organisations including the World Food Programme (WFP) and TechnoServ