Former Information Minister Lai Mohammed has revealed that Jollof rice has its roots in Senegal, where it was originally served to prisoners.

On Channels TV on Tuesday, December 23, Mohammed, who held office during the Buhari administration, explained that the name “Jollof” comes from the Senegalese word “Wollof.”

He stated, “Jollof rice was initially a meal for prisoners, prepared in a single plate with oil, salt, and other basic ingredients. Its origin is from Wollof.”

Mohammed added that the dish’s Senegalese connection was later noted on Wikipedia, which cited the Wollof people as the originators of Jollof rice.