President Muhammadu Buhari has unveiled the Imota Rice Mill, the biggest of its kind in Africa and fourth largest in the world.
The mill is a 2 xX IGMTPH standing on an area of 8.5Ha land, with an annual paddy requirement of over 240,000MT to produce 32 metric tonnes per hour, 2.5 million bags of 50kg rice per annum.
The mill will generate about 1,500 direct jobs and 250,000 indirect jobs to Lagosians.
The final product is called ‘Eko Rice’.
Buhari, who described the project facility as ‘so big’, hailed the Lagos State government for taking the bold step to become self-sufficient in food production.
He toured the facility, saw the rice pyramids and also watched the last part of the bagging process, which is the sealing.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Nigerian should grow what they eat and eat what they grow. We are happy that Lagos is the testament for that.
According to him, Lagos is ready to support the rice revolution and food revolution in Nigeria.
In his words, it will create close to 250,000 direct or indirect jobs. We want to thank the Imota and Ikorodu community, and everyone for waiting patiently. Mr President is indeed excited that we have achieved another first in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Thank you all.”
Sanwo-Olu also restated his administration’s commitment to further bring about socio-economic and infrastructural development to the state, while ensuring Lagosians enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Oniru of Iruland, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal said he is happy to witness the mill’s opening.
According to him, I am one of the happiest people here today. I remember vividly in 2011/2012, when the Eko Rice started, it was a 2.5 metric tonne capacity, and I also remembered we were able to create jobs through the rice value chain.
In his words, this is the biggest in Africa, and I must thank the Federal Government for coming up with the initiative of banning rice importation.
He said the project has many advantages, ranging from employment opportunities, revenue generation, economic development, among others.
Ranodu of Imota, Oba Mudashiru Bakare-Agoro expressed his delight that the project came to being in his lifetime and reign.
According to him, it is worthy of celebration for me. I am 30 years on the throne, and I am celebrating that with this project opening. It’s a landmark achievement given to Imota by God Almighty through some people.
Bakare-Agoro said the project has brought all the factors of production to Imota, and when these are present in any area, it would engender both economic and commercial development.
He said the multiplier economic effect of this mill is unquantifiable, and we are grateful. I’m praying to God that we all live to witness the development. My message to my people is that we are overjoyed and we should protect this well.”