Ogun State Government rakes in ₦1 billion from rice production, positioning itself to feed the nation.

On August 19, Governor Dapo Abiodun announced a major milestone in Ogun State’s rice production, as the state government successfully harvested rice planted in May 2024 at the Magboro Rice Farm in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.

With an impressive yield of 7 MT per hectare on the 200-hectare pilot project, the state produced approximately 1,400 MT of rice—equivalent to 20,000 bags of milled rice. This achievement is set to generate an estimated ₦1 billion in revenue every three months, directly benefiting the out-growers, including many youth and women new to farming.

Buoyed by the success of this first harvest, the governor is now scaling up to 2,000 hectares, with plans to expand further to 5,000 hectares, projecting revenues of ₦10 billion to ₦25 billion per quarter. This advancement places Ogun State firmly among Nigeria’s leading rice-producing regions.

The farm, part of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project supported by the World Bank, is a key initiative by Governor Abiodun to drive economic growth and development within the state.

During the rice harvest celebration, Governor Abiodun remarked that Ogun State is joining the ranks of states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Bayelsa in producing locally grown rice, thereby fostering economic development, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods within the communities.

“This 200-hectare rice farm is cultivated by 200 farmers, primarily women and youths from across the country, not just Ogun State,” the governor stated. “Each farmer was allocated one hectare of land. The project began in April, planting started in May, and today we’re harvesting—making it a three-month cycle, allowing us to do this three times a year.”

He added, “Producing 20,000 bags of milled rice per cycle is valued at approximately ₦1 billion. These 200 farmers, comprised of women and youth from all over Nigeria, have collectively earned ₦1 billion in just three months. If this is repeated three times in a year, they’ll generate ₦3 billion. Nigeria has no excuse for hunger.”