Nigeria's Rice Capital, Lagos, Focuses On Food Security, Sustainability

News in Brief: - Lagos state, Nigeria's largest rice consumer, is prioritising food security through its Imota Rice Mill and collaborations with paddy producers like Niger state. - The state is also committed to a broader agricultural development plan that tackles food scarcity and promotes sustainability. As Nigeria's undisputed biggest rice consumer, Lagos state is taking decisive steps to ensure food security and bolster its agricultural sector. During a recent press briefing by the Lagos state commissioner for agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, she shed light on key initiatives aimed at achieving these goals. According to the commissioner, Lagos holds the title of Nigeria's biggest rice eater, with an estimated annual consumption of a staggering 2 million metric tonnes. To meet this demand, the state government has prioritised the Imota Rice Mill, a crucial component of their food security strategy. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a production capacity of 2.4 million 50kg bags of rice each year. However, to guarantee a consistent supply of paddy (unprocessed rice) to feed the mill, Ms. Olusanya disclosed that Lagos is actively seeking partnerships with other Nigerian states. Niger, the country's leading paddy producer, is a key partner in this initiative, with a collaboration meant to ensure a reliable supply chain and mitigates the risk of disruptions. Also, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser on Agriculture, emphasised the significance of these partnerships. According to him, "the focus is on securing a steady flow of paddy to maintain uninterrupted rice production." This he said is especially important, as government cannot afford a stop-and-start approach. Meantime, while rice takes center stage, the Lagos state government reiterated its commitment to the broader agricultural sector. Olusanya highlighted the industry's substantial contribution to the state's economy, generating over ₦7 trillion annually towards the gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, the development of well-organised food markets is another key priority. Additionally, through strategic partnerships and innovative projects like the Eko Meat Van initiative for improved meat transportation, the state is demonstrating a strong commitment to building a robust and sustainable agricultural sector.