Lagos Creates More Job Opportunities For Youths By Acquiring Switzerland Rice Mill

Lagos State Governor , Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday in Zurich, Switzerland led a team of the State Executive Committee members to sign an agreement with Bühler AG (“ Bühler ”) , a leading rice- mill producer in the world , for the acquisition of a 32 tonnes per hour Rice Mill .

The Governor, who spoke shortly after the signing ceremony , said the development was in furtherance of his vision of enhancing food security and creating employment in the State .

It is estimated that the partnership would facilitate the creation of about 200 , 000 jobs across the agriculture value chain , while it would also bring about the cultivation of 32 , 000 hectares of farm land to produce rice paddy , equating to an estimated 130 million Kg of processed rice per year ( an equivalent of 2 . 6 milion 50 kg bags of rice) .

Speaking further , Governor Ambode said the landmark event also provides the platform for the State to partner with the other South West States in consonance with the region ’ s resolve towards achieving economic integration .

The Governor emphasized that the partnership with Buhler was in sync with his administration ’ s economic agenda of diversification of the nation’ s economy and conservation of foreign currency reserve .

“ The state of the art rice mill will be sited in Imota, Ikorodu and it requires 32 , 000 hectares of land for cultivation of rice paddy . This investment is expected to create thousands of jobs in rice value chain . In addition to the current arrangement with Kebbi State , Lagos would go into partnership with neighbouring states , to ensure sustainable inputs for the mill and foster regional economic integration , ” Governor Ambode said .

According to the agreement, the partnership with Buhler covers supplies and installation of the rice mill , including silos . It also covers maintenance and technical support as well as technical training of Nigerians in the ever growing sub - sector of the Nigerian economy .

The rice mill will be the single largest mill of its kind in Nigeria and is expected to be delivered within twelve months.

Aside Governor Ambode , other members of the State ’ s delegation included the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinyemi Ashade ; Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs & Investment , Professor Ademola Abass ; Commissioner for Agriculture , Hon Suarau Oluwatoyin; and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture , Dr Olayiwole Onasanya.