A strategic collaboration worth billions of naira has been established between the Dangote Group and the Niger State Government to accelerate commercial agricultural development across Nigeria.
This announcement was made by Fatima Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Abdurrahman made these remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair held in Minna, where she detailed the company’s substantial investments in regional rice production facilities and its collaboration with state authorities on the Niger Food initiative.
“The Niger Food initiative is an agricultural development programme launched by the Niger State Government in partnership with private sector players like the Dangote Group,” she said.
The executive highlighted the steady progress of the organisation’s advanced rice processing facility in Wushishi, confirming it remains on schedule for completion.
“As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State,” she said.
Among the sponsors of the 21st Trade Fair, hosted by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), the Dangote Group participated under the theme: Commercial Agriculture as the Major Contributor to Sub-National Economic Growth and National GDP.
Abdurrahman emphasised the initiative’s potential to strengthen food security while creating substantial employment opportunities for local residents.
“This landmark project represents a significant step forward in bolstering the food security initiatives of the state,” she said.
“Upon its completion, the mill is expected to enhance local rice production, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the agricultural development of Nigeria,” she added.
The facility’s specifications include a 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour (MTPH) processing capacity, constructed on a 30-hectare site to dramatically improve rice production and storage capabilities across the region.
“This state-of-the-art facility incorporates the latest innovations in rice milling technology, ensuring high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output,” she said.
“Once operational, it will not only boost local rice production but also strengthen the entire agricultural value chain, from farm to market,” she continued.
“The project is expected to generate employment opportunities, support local farmers with essential inputs like fertiliser and seedlings, and contribute substantially to the state’s food security goals,” she said.
“We will source the rice from local out-growers and act as 100 per cent off-takers of the production at competitive market prices,” she added.
The rice processing complex will include an integrated power generation system producing 5.8 megawatts of electricity, supporting efforts to reduce dependence on national power infrastructure, Abdurrahman noted.
Governor Umar Bago, speaking through Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry Aminu Takuma, expressed the state administration’s commitment to attracting large-scale commercial agricultural investments.
Bago praised the Dangote Group’s involvement and encouraged the conglomerate to capitalise on numerous investment opportunities and the favourable business environment within the state to expand its operations.
The governor also revealed that the state government is preparing to transform the Niger Trade Fair into an international commercial event.
Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), previously urged private sector entities to leverage Niger State’s vast agricultural land resources for investment opportunities.
