By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh In a significant boost to commercial agriculture in Nigeria, the Dangote Group and the Niger Stat...
By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh
In a significant boost to commercial agriculture in Nigeria, the Dangote Group and the Niger State Government have entered into a multi-billion naira sectoral partnership.
The conglomerate revealed that it has made substantial investments in rice production infrastructure within the state, partnering with the government under the Niger Food Initiative.
The Niger Food Initiative is an agricultural development programme launched by the Niger State Government in collaboration with private sector players such as the Dangote Group.
Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, stated that the company’s state-of-the-art rice mill in Wushishi is "progressing steadily and on track for completion."
Speaking on Thursday at the official opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, the state capital, she said, "As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State."
The Dangote Group is one of the sponsors of the 21st Trade Fair, organized by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA).
Addressing the theme, "Commercial Agriculture as the Major Contributor to Sub-National Economic Growth and National GDP," Abdurrahman noted:
"This initiative is expected to enhance food security and generate significant employment opportunities for the state’s population."
She added, "This landmark project marks a major step forward in bolstering Niger State’s food security initiatives. Upon completion, the mill will increase local rice production, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural development."
According to her, the 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour (MTPH) facility is being developed on a 30-hectare site and is designed to significantly enhance rice production and storage capacity in the state.
“This state-of-the-art mill incorporates the latest rice milling technologies, ensuring high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output. Once operational, it will not only increase local production but also strengthen the agricultural value chain from farm to market,” she said.
She further noted that the project is expected to generate employment, support local farmers with critical inputs such as fertilizer and seedlings, and significantly advance the state’s food security objectives.
“We will source rice from local out-growers and serve as 100% off-takers at competitive market prices. The Dangote Rice Mill will also include an on-site captive power facility capable of generating 5.8 megawatts of electricity, aligning with efforts to reduce reliance on the national grid.”
Abdurrahman also disclosed that near Wushishi, the company is constructing 32 silos, each with a storage capacity of 2,500 metric tonnes of paddy rice.
In his remarks, Governor Umar Muhammed Bago, represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, said the state is open to massive investment in commercial agriculture. He commended the Dangote Group and encouraged it to leverage the state’s numerous investment opportunities and business-friendly environment.
He also announced plans to upgrade the Niger Trade Fair to an international event.
Earlier, the President of NCCIMA, Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, urged the private sector to tap into Niger State’s vast arable land and invest in agriculture.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi—represented by Dr. Suleiman Ladan—affirmed that commercial agriculture is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic development agenda.
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