Dangote Group Partners with Niger State to Enhance Rice Production
The Dangote Group has initiated a multi-billion naira partnership with the Niger State Government to enhance rice production as part of the Niger Food Initiative. A new rice mill project, capable of processing 32 metric tonnes an hour, is under development, aiming to strengthen food security and local agriculture while generating jobs. The state is fostering an investor-friendly environment to attract more agricultural investments.
In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s food security, the Dangote Group has launched a multi-billion naira agricultural partnership with the Niger State Government aimed at enhancing rice production. This announcement was made by Fatima Abdurrahman, the Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, during the opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna.
Abdurrahman elaborated on the ambitious investment which includes a state-of-the-art rice mill capable of processing 32 metric tonnes of rice per hour. The facility, located in Wushishi on a sprawling 30-hectare site, is reported to be “progressing steadily and on track for completion.” This project is a key component of the Niger Food Initiative, an agricultural development programme launched jointly by the state government and private sector.
The executive emphasized that this high-capacity mill would enhance local rice production significantly, introducing cutting-edge rice milling technology. “This state-of-the-art facility ensures high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output,” she noted, adding that the facility’s operation would strengthen the agricultural value chain from farm to market.
Abdurrahman further outlined that the mill would be equipped with 32 silos with a capacity of 2,500 metric tonnes each, bolstered by a captive power generation facility producing 5.8 megawatts of electricity. This strategic aspect of the project aims to reduce reliance on the national power grid, a notable highlight in the company’s investment plan.
Additionally, Dangote Group is set to act as 100 percent off-takers for the rice produced by local out-growers, reaffirming its commitment by sourcing necessary inputs like fertilizers and seedlings for the farmers. The impact of this initiative is anticipated to generate significant employment opportunities and foster agricultural development in Nigeria, according to Abdurrahman.
Aminu Takuma, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry, who spoke on behalf of Governor Muhammed Bago, expressed the state’s openness to substantial investments in agriculture. He commended Dangote Group for this initiative and encouraged it to leverage Niger’s investor-friendly environment while indicating plans to enhance the Niger Trade Fair to an international stature.
Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, urged private sector players to recognize and tap into the vast agricultural potential that the state offers. The commitment to commercial agriculture was reinforced by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, through his representative Dr. Suleiman Ladan, stating that it remains a critical focus of President Bola Tinubu’s economic development agenda.
To sum up, the Dangote Group’s partnership with the Niger State Government is a pivotal step towards enhancing rice production and food security in Nigeria. With an impressive investment in a high-capacity rice milling project, along with supportive infrastructure, this initiative is expected to significantly impact local agriculture and create employment opportunities. The local government’s commitment to agriculture, coupled with increased private sector involvement, suggests a promising future for the agricultural landscape in Niger State.
Original Source: punchng.com
