LAGOS: Imota Rice Mill gulps N20bn, to provide 250,000 jobs

THE state government today disclosed that not less than N20bn has so far been spent on the much awaited Imota Rice Mill.

The mill billed to be commissioned before the end of 2021, is projected to be the largest in sub-sahara Africa.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Bisola Olusanya made the disclosure during a ministerial press briefing to mark the 2nd anniversary of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Olusanya also stated that when eventually commissioned, the project would provide not less than 250,000 jobs across the value chain.

According to her, the partnership between Lagos and Kebbi states over the production of Lake Rice still exist, disclosing that the partnership now focuses on shipment of paddy from Kebbi to the state for processing, though the process was slowed by COVID-19 and flood experienced in Kebbi.

“The Imota Rice Mill is referred to as rolls royce of its kind. We want to deliver a value chain with the best processing facility. Since its commencement, 20bn naira has been spent looking at the exchange rate. The Rice Mill is going to be world class.

“On Lake rice, the partnership has shifted from processing of rice to shipment of paddy. So that we can beat down prices. Partnership between states should not be tenured, the partnership should be enduring,” the commissioner said.

 On the state plan to have its own brand on rice production, she disclosed that the state is thinking in that direction.

 She stated that Kebbi rice is in the upstream of the value chain while the state is in the downstream and midstream, as it has the human and the market for huge rice production.