By Abbas Nazil
In a landmark move set to transform the agricultural landscape of Nigeria, the Dangote Group and the Niger State Government have entered into a multi-billion naira partnership aimed at revitalizing commercial agriculture in the state, with a strong focus on rice production.
The partnership, which is part of the Niger Food Initiativ – an integrated poverty alleviation programme of farmer Governor Umar Bago in collaboration with Dangote Group – was announced at the official opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair held in Minna.
Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, confirmed that the company is making significant investments in the Niger state’s agricultural sector.
She announced that a state-of-the-art 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour (MTPH) rice mill being constructed in Wushishi is progressing steadily and remains on track for completion.
Once operational, Mrs Abdurrahman said the mill will significantly enhance local rice production, provide employment, and contribute to food security and overall economic growth of Niger state.
Speaking on the theme of the Trade Fair, “Commercial Agriculture as the Major Contributor to Sub National Economic Growth and National GDP,” Mrs. Abdurrahman noted that the rice mill, being developed on a 30-hectare site, incorporates advanced rice milling technology designed to ensure high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output.
She emphasized that the mill will serve as a vital component in strengthening the agricultural value chain from farm to market while safeguarding the populace from abject poverty.
Mrs Abdurrahman disclosed further that the gigantic project includes the construction of 32 silos near Wushishi, each with a storage capacity of 2,500 metric tons of paddy rice as well as on-site 5.8 MW power generation facility to ensure self-sufficiency in energy and reduce reliance on the national grid.
As an added incentive, she said Dangote Group will also serve as 100% off-takers of rice produced by local outgrowers, offering competitive market prices and supporting farmers with critical inputs such as fertilizers and seedlings.
This approach is expected to enhance farmer productivity and income while ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials for the mill.
Representing Governor Muhammed Umar Bago at the event, Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to welcome investments in agriculture, citing the availability of vast arable land and a conducive business environment.
He expressed appreciation for Dangote Group’s commitment and revealed plans to elevate the Niger Trade Fair to an international event.
In a his remarks, Dr. Suleiman Ladan, representing Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, reiterated that commercial agriculture is central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Also speaking at the occasion, Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), also called on the private sector to seize the investment opportunities in Niger State’s agricultural sector.
This collaboration between Dangote Group and the Niger State Government is widely regarded as a major step toward achieving sustainable food security, empowering rural farmers, and promoting economic diversification in Nigeria.