Inside Abakaliki Rice Mill: Women Risk Their Health Daily in Nigeria’s Largest Rice Processing Hub

Story: written by springnewsng March 13,2026
In the bustling rice milling centre of Abakaliki, thousands of women working in Nigeria’s famous rice production hub say they are sacrificing their health in order to survive economically.
The rice produced in the city is widely known across the country as Abakaliki rice and has become a staple in many Nigerian homes. However, behind the popular food product lies a troubling reality for the labourers who process it every day.
Within the vast milling complex, workers operate in thick clouds of rice dust and smoke emitted from milling machines. Many labourers carry out their duties without protective equipment such as masks, gloves, or safety clothing, exposing them to serious health risks.
For many of the women, leaving the job is simply not an option.
Nkechi Sunday, a rice mill worker, explained that although the health risks are obvious, economic hardship leaves them with few alternatives.
“We know the dust is affecting our health, but we don’t have any other work to rely on,” she said. “If I stop working here, who will feed my children and support my family?”
According to her, years of working in the dusty environment have resulted in recurring headaches, body pains and chest discomfort.
Dangerous working environment
Health concerns at the rice mill extend beyond female workers.
Another labourer, Solomon Onu, said many workers develop persistent cough and breathing problems after prolonged exposure to dust and smoke from the machines.
“This job affects our lungs seriously,” he said. “After each day’s work, many of us experience severe coughing. That is why some workers try not to remain here for long periods.”
Workers say the situation has been worsened by the lack of protective equipment. Many believe simple safety measures such as face masks and gloves could reduce health risks significantly.
Several labourers also appealed to authorities to provide medical services within the milling community.
Ironically, a hospital facility previously constructed inside the rice mill during the administration of former Ebonyi State governor Martin Elechi has reportedly been abandoned for years, leaving thousands of workers without nearby healthcare support.
Medical outreach offers temporary relief
Recently, workers received some relief when David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences launched a free medical screening and treatment programme at the rice mill.
The initiative, part of the Equi-Resp Africa Research Project, focused on detecting respiratory illnesses among workers frequently exposed to dust.
The outreach attracted a large crowd of labourers seeking medical attention, many of whom had never undergone respiratory health checks before.
Professor Jesse Uneke said the programme was designed to address growing health concerns among workers in the rice milling industry.
“The Abakaliki rice mill is very important to the economy of Nigeria,” he said. “But while the workers are providing food for the nation, their health must also be protected.”
He disclosed that the university arranged free treatment and medication for the first 200 workers diagnosed with respiratory illnesses during the screening.
The intervention was carried out in collaboration with the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.
Professor Techla Ezeonu said research conducted by health experts revealed that many workers at the rice mill suffer from respiratory conditions caused by prolonged exposure to dust.
“These workers are feeding the nation,” she said. “Their health must also be protected.”
Studying pollution levels
As part of the research programme, experts have installed air-quality monitoring devices around the rice mill to measure pollution levels and assess environmental health risks.
According to Uneke, accurate data from the research will help policymakers understand the level of pollution within the milling complex and develop appropriate public health policies.
“If we want government to take action, we must have scientific evidence showing the level of pollution in the environment,” he explained.
Workers demand lasting solutions
Despite the temporary medical intervention, workers say their long-term wellbeing depends on stronger government action.
Many are urging authorities to revive the abandoned hospital facility inside the milling complex and provide protective equipment to workers.
Until those measures are implemented, thousands of labourers—particularly women—say they will continue to inhale the dust that threatens their health in order to earn a living and support their families.