Rice is one of the most consumed staple foods in Nigeria, with a consumption per capita of 32kg.
Everyone who is able to produce it in large amount will surely get a hold on the people’s pockets.
Lagos state is one of such states making good investments in rice production.
But it has not been a steady ride.
Right now, the Lagos State Government is informing residents that it will officially resume commercial sales of Eko rice from Imota Rice Mill in June, 2 months after its initial April schedule.
Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Rice Mill Initiative, confirmed this in an interview on Sunday, May 21, in Lagos.
Mr Fashola said that the commercial sales began last week in Ikeja axis, to civil servants and some institution in the state.
However, he asserted that the Eko Rice would be available in significant markets by the first week of June.
Official Market Price Of Eko Rice
According to Mr. Fashola, the cost of a 50 kg bag of Eko rice would be between ₦32,000 and ₦33,000, while the cost of a 25 kg bag would be between ₦17,000 and ₦18,000.
When compared to rice of the same grade sold at major markets for ₦38,000 for a 50kg bag, he claimed that the price of Eko Rice was not excessively exorbitant.
“Eko rice is already in the market but you can be sure that the main markets will have it by June.
“For example, we have started with the Ikeja axis, the civil servants and institutions right now that’s ongoing, we started last week.
“By the first week of June, the major markets in Lagos will also start having it,” he said.
People Also Read: Sanwo-Olu’s Pledge: Revolutionizing Transport System for A Better Lagos!
According to him, there are two sets of issues – the distributor price and the market price.
“The market price averagely is between ₦32,000 and ₦33,000 for the 50kg bag, for the 25kg bag, I think it’s between ₦17,000 and ₦18,000.
“The same quality of rice in the major market is sold for ₦38,000 for the 50kg bag while us selling at ₦32,000 and ₦33,000 is not high.
“There are various brands of rice, you have the 30 and 45, most of the imported ones are selling for ₦42,000 and ₦45,000.
“Most of the good quality ones in Nigeria sell for ₦38,000 to ₦40,000 and we are selling at ₦32,000 and ₦33,000.” he said.
Distribution Of Eko Rice
Eko Rice would be delivered gradually, according to Mr. Fashola, who was unable to determine the precise quantity that will be supplied to the major distributor markets.
He stressed that the quality of the product would not be compromised.
“Quality is important and we will not lower our quality because we want to have our masses.
“It is a gradual process and the distribution is a monthly thing.
“Don’t forget Lagos has a 20 million plus representative, and we are only with a mill and it is only serving a fraction of that, so you wouldn’t expect it in every household.” he said.
