Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has reignited the ongoing West African debate over the origin of jollof rice, claiming that the popular dish actually comes from Senegal and was historically served to prisoners.
Speaking in a recent interview, Mohammed traced the word “jollof” to “Wollof,” noting that many people do not understand the dish’s true history.
Lai Mohammed explain jollof rice origin
He explained, “Jollof rice was actually that food that was prepared for prisoners, ‘cos it was that food that was put in one plate, oil, salt, you know, and everything. So really everything of jollof is Wollof.”
Mohammed added that tourism authorities and even a UN-related source later confirmed the dish’s Senegalese origins on Wikipedia.
The minister’s remarks have highlighted how passionately people defend cultural heritage and national pride, particularly around a dish that has become a symbol across West Africa.
Social media reactions
@gent2s commented: “Let’s focus on the origin of Nigeria’s corruption and propaganda-style of democracy.”
@ellwahabb commented: “Hahaha thief Linus no dey tire o.”
@Angel150kafor commented: “And they no know the origin of Nigeria backwards.”
@Korayde5 commented: “Liar Mohammed.”
@zilchanonymous commented: “This is what a stupid adult is discussing on live TV after looting monies with his principal.”
Watch the video below…
“Jollof rice was actually food that was prepared for prisoners.”. -Lai Mohammed.
By the way, this claim is an absolute lie.
There is no historical accuracy to it.
Tomorrow this lying animal will accuse random helpless Nigerians of de-marketing Nigeria.
pic.twitter.com/e0zeHMivQR
— OurFaveOnlineDoc 🇬🇧 🇳🇬 (@OurFavOnlineDoc) December 24, 2025
