Abuja: Mr Jacob Akinsanya, Director of the Lagos State Rice Mill, Imota, has highlighted that inadequate supply of rice paddy is the primary challenge limiting optimal production at the facility. Akinsanya made this known during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) to the rice mill in Lagos. Akinsanya, represented by Mr Hassan Oladipo, Deputy Director, Engineering and Production, stated that despite having functional equipment, adequate manpower, and the capacity to produce large quantities of rice, the mill faces significant setbacks due to paddy shortages.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, rice paddy refers to harvested rice grains still enclosed in their husks, which must be processed before becoming the polished rice commonly consumed. Akinsanya revealed that the inadequate paddy supply led to a suspension of operations around May, despite the mill’s substantial production capacity. “This facility has an experienced workforce, but the shortage of raw materials forced it to halt production between April and May 2026,” he mentioned. The mill, operational since 2023, boasts two production lines, each capable of producing approximately 300 tonnes of rice daily.
Akinsanya emphasized that the facility has the potential to process rice paddy produced across the entire South-West if sufficient raw materials are available. “If this facility operates optimally, it could process raw materials if rice is planted across the entire South-West,” he added. The mill’s continuous drying system demands a steady paddy supply to maintain efficient production, requiring about 5,000 tonnes of paddy to sustain operations for two weeks, equivalent to roughly 200 trailers for transport.
He attributed the shortage to declining rice production and insecurity in parts of the country, impacting paddy availability and transportation. Restarting the plant after a prolonged shutdown poses challenges, as the machinery takes three to four days to stabilize before resuming full-scale production. The facility could meet the rice needs of several states if sufficient paddy is available for processing.
Efforts are underway to tackle power supply issues by establishing a dedicated electricity line, ensuring more reliable operations. While the machinery remains in good condition, the lack of adequate raw materials remains the major hurdle to sustained production.
Mr Kayode Ibidapo, National General Secretary of NATE, remarked that the visit aimed to assess the rice production process and identify potential support areas. Ibidapo stressed the importance of increasing rice production for food sufficiency and reducing strain on the nation’s food supply. He praised the mill’s production capacity, equipment, and manpower but noted that inadequate paddy supply prevents the facility from operating at full capacity.
Ibidapo advocated for more collaboration among the Lagos State Government, relevant agencies, and agricultural stakeholders to improve paddy access. He urged the government to invest in rice cultivation and provide adequate land for farmers, especially in areas with potential for expanded production. “Increased investment in rice production will provide the raw materials required to keep the mill running and enable it to supply rice beyond Lagos to other states,” he stated.
Highlighting the facility as one of Africa’s largest rice mills, Ibidapo asserted its capacity to significantly contribute to food production across the South-West if supported appropriately. “This facility is the largest in Africa and it is capable of producing food for the entire South-West if given the right attention,” he remarked.
Ibidapo called on the management to sustain efforts while urging the government and stakeholders to intensify measures to address challenges in rice production and processing. He also advocated for stronger actions against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, which have adversely affected agricultural activities and contributed to the rice paddy shortage. The security challenges hinder farmers’ ability to cultivate and transport agricultural produce, exacerbating the raw material shortage for processing facilities.
The visit provided NATE with a clearer understanding of the facility’s challenges, aiding the association in identifying collaboration opportunities with the government and stakeholders. Such collaboration would help strengthen rice production, improve processing capacity, and enhance food security in the country.