In a bold move to boost local rice production, ARNFoods has partnered with AGI Milltec, a world leader in grain processing technology, to transform Nigeria’s rice industry. The two companies signed the partnership agreement on September 6, 2024, at The George Hotel, Ikoyi. This collaboration is expected to reshape rice milling in Nigeria, reducing the country’s dependence on expensive imports and driving self-sufficiency.
ARNFoods, led by founder Adetola Nola, has been a major player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The company recently launched a state-of-the-art rice mill in Epe, Lagos, with the capacity to produce 8 tons of rice per hour. With this new partnership, ARNFoods can now leverage AGI Milltec’s advanced technology to maximize its production and improve the quality of locally produced rice.
Nola expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “This partnership with AGI Milltec is a game-changer for us and for Nigeria. We’re not just producing rice – we’re using world-class technology to make sure Nigerians have access to affordable, high-quality rice. This is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”
The rice industry in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including a 40% deficit in production, which has led to a heavy reliance on imported rice. This importation has driven up prices, making rice unaffordable for many Nigerians. The ARNFoods-AGI Milltec partnership is set to change that by increasing local production, reducing costs, and ensuring Nigerians have easier access to locally-grown rice.
AGI Milltec, known for its cutting-edge grain processing technology, brings expertise and innovation to the table. The company’s equipment will allow ARNFoods to process rice more efficiently and with less waste, ultimately lowering costs and improving the supply chain.
The Director of Strategy, ARNFoods, Nnanna Alu in an interview talked about the need to balance consumption and production of rice in the country. He also highlighted that this imbalance had led to the rising need for importation in the country. An excerpt reads, “Statistics tell us that the consumption of rice in Nigeria far outweighs the production by about 40%.”
Dele Momodu, who was also present at the event commended the founder of ARNFoods for the innovation. He stated that the government can not do it alone and thoughtful innovations from young and private sectors will make a difference. He stated, “There is a saying in Yoruba that if you take food out of poverty, poverty will die so we must encourage people like Nola to do more.”
The partnership has been widely praised by industry experts who see it as a step in the right direction for Nigeria’s rice industry and economy. By reducing the country’s dependence on rice imports, the collaboration between ARNFoods and AGI Milltec could help stabilize rice prices and ensure food security for the future.
