Dangote Group and the Niger State Government are fostering sectoral partnerships worth billions of naira to boost commercial agriculture in Nigeria.
Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Abdurrahman spoke at the official opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna.
According to her, significant investment has been deployed into the company’s rice production infrastructure in the state, even as it is partnering with the Government on the Niger Food initiative.
She said, ‘‘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.
“The company’s state-of-the-art rice mill in Wushishi is “progressing steadily and on track 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.
Dangote Group is one of the sponsors of the 21st Trade Fair organised by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Commercial Agriculture as the Major Contributor to Sub-National Economic Growth and National GDP,’ Abdurrahman said the initiative was expected to enhance food security.
According to her, it will also help to generate significant employment opportunities for the state’s population.
“This landmark project represents a significant step forward in bolstering the food security initiatives of the state.
‘‘Upon its delivery, the mill is expected to enhance local rice production, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the agricultural development of Nigeria,” she said.
According to Abdurrahman, the 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour Mill is a cutting-edge facility, developed on a 30-hectare site, designed to significantly enhance rice production and storage capacity in the state.
“This state-of-the-art facility incorporates the latest innovations in rice milling technology, ensuring high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output.
“Once operational, it will not only boost local rice production but also strengthen the entire agricultural value chain, from farm to market.
“The project is expected to generate employment opportunities, support local farmers with necessary inputs like fertilizer and seedlings, and contribute substantially to the state’s food security goals.
“We will source the rice from local out growers and act as 100 percent off-takers of the production at competitive market prices,” she said.
According to her, the Dangote Rice Mill will also feature an on-site captive power generation facility capable of producing 5.8 megawatts of electricity.
Abdurrahman said the project aligned with broader efforts to reduce reliance on the national grid.
In his remark, Governor Umar Bago, represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry, Aminu Takuma, said the state government was opening up the state for massive investment in commercial agriculture.
Bago commended the Dangote Group and urged it to take advantage of several investment opportunities and the conducive environment in the state to do more business.
He also announced that plans were on by the state government to make the Niger Trade Fair an international event.
Earlier, the President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr Bisi Adeniyi, called on the private sector to take advantage of the massive land in Niger State and invest in agriculture.
