In preparation for the festive season, the Lagos State Government has announced its intention to release an additional 20,000 bags of Eko Rice to various designated markets in December.
This comes as part of the state’s efforts to meet the high demand for rice during the Yuletide period.
Having already released 20,000 bags in November, representing 10% of the estimated rice consumption needs for over 25 million residents, the state aims to provide a steady supply of the staple commodity during the festive season.
Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture, revealed this information during an inspection tour of the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota, Ikorodu.
The Lagos Rice Mill, situated on 8.5 hectares of land in Imota, Ikorodu, is a key player in the state’s quest for self-sufficiency in rice production.
Although inaugurated early in 2023 by President Muhammadu Buhari, the mill is expected to commence full production in the first quarter of 2023.
With a production capacity of 32 metric tonnes per hour and a storage capacity of 40,000 tonnes, the ultra-modern mill, operated by Wacot Rice Limited, is the largest in Africa and the third largest globally.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, assured that the Imota rice mill would soon be inaugurated, highlighting the state government’s commitment to reinforcing its operations.
The government had previously signed a funding agreement with the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) to raise US$216 million from investors to support the mill’s operations.
While addressing concerns about the distribution of Eko Rice, Fashola emphasized the annual need for more than 240,000 tons of paddy to fully exploit the mill’s capacity.
Lagos, being the largest consumer of rice in Nigeria, consumes 40 million bags annually, a demand that the state strives to meet through increased production and distribution.
In an effort to ensure wider access to Eko Rice, the state government has set prices at N43,000 per 50kg bag and N22,000 per 25kg bag.
Fashola acknowledged the challenges in flooding every market with the product but expressed the government’s commitment to managing the distribution outlets.
Fashola noted that the state is working in partnership with the commodities board to monitor the distribution of Eko Rice.
The government aims to prevent malpractices such as repackaging the rice into foreign bags or diverting it to locations outside the state.
By providing rice with serial numbers and limiting the quantity available for purchase, the government seeks to maintain transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
As the Yuletide season approaches, the state’s proactive measures aim to make Eko Rice readily available to Lagos residents while ensuring fair and ethical distribution practices. The success of this initiative not only contributes to the economic well-being of local rice farmers but also reinforces Lagos State’s position as a major player in Nigeria’s drive for self-sufficiency in rice production.
