In a strategic effort to improve the quality, safety, and nutritional value of locally processed rice, the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA), in partnership with Bühler and TechnoServe Nigeria, has organised a five-day intensive training programme for rice millers at the Grain Processing Innovation Centre (GPIC), in Kano State.
The training, which drew participants from Kano and Ogun states, focused on building technical expertise in rice milling, food fortification, and food safety critical pillars for enhancing Nigeria’s rice value chain and promoting food and nutrition security.
The initiative forms part of FWGA’s broader mandate to strengthen the capacity of local food processors and support the production of fortified whole grains across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Senior Food Science Technologist at FWGA, Johnes David, highlighted the alliance’s commitment to
“providing catalytic support to food processors towards increasing the production and consumption of fortified whole grains.”
According to him, the initiative was central to building a more resilient and inclusive food system in Nigeria.
Also, in his address, the Head of the Grain Processing Innovation Centre (GPIC) operated by Bühle, Mustapha Rajab, reaffirmed the centre’s goal of driving food self-sufficiency through innovation and technical training which was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s grain value chain by optimising local processing and fostering innovation that supports sustainable food systems.
In the five-day programme, participants engaged in both theoretical and hands-on sessions covering key aspects of rice processing from paddy handling and moisture management to extrusion fortification.
The training was structured to progressively build knowledge and practical competence, enabling participants to directly apply modern techniques in their operations.
Representatives from the six participating milling organisations described the programme as timely and impactful, noting the practical relevance to their day-to-day business operations.
Chairman of Didi Rice, Alhaji Misbahu Lawan, said the training was timely and eye-opening, noting that the sessions on fortification, moisture control, and process optimisation would significantly improve their product quality and create new business opportunities.
In her remarks, a representative of TechnoServe Nigeria, Ava Bawa, emphasised the organisation’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth in Nigeria’s food systems.
“At TechnoServe, we believe that equipping local processors with technical and business skills is essential for strengthening livelihoods and ensuring access to nutritious food,” she said.
She also said that the event served as a networking platform, fostering collaboration and experience-sharing among processors from different regions. Participants received certificates of completion in recognition of their commitment to improving Nigeria’s rice processing standards.
The training concluded with a joint pledge by FWGA, Bühler, and TechnoServe to sustain their support to local millers through continued technical assistance, innovation exchange, and capacity development initiatives.
