Dangote Group Partners with Niger State to Enhance Rice Production

The Dangote Group and Niger State Government have partnered on a major rice production project aimed to improve food security in Nigeria. The initiative features an advanced rice mill in Wushishi and includes plans for local farming support and job creation. Officials emphasized the importance of agriculture for economic growth in the region.

The Dangote Group, alongside the Niger State Government, has launched an ambitious agricultural project aimed at enhancing rice production in Nigeria. This partnership, announced by Fatima Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President of the Dangote Group, is poised to make significant strides in food security for the nation. The announcement came during the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair held in Minna, where officials emphasized the crucial role of agriculture in economic enhancement.

Abdurrahman elaborated on the details of the undertaking, which includes a substantial investment in a 32 metric tonne-per-hour rice mill located in Wushishi. This facility is being constructed on a 30-hectare plot, and according to her, construction is progressing as planned, with expectations for completion soon. This mill is part of a broader programme called the Niger Food Initiative, a state initiative aimed at partnering with the private sector to foster agricultural development.

She further stated that this high-capacity rice mill is envisioned to elevate local rice production and storage capabilities, characterizing it as a “cutting-edge facility that incorporates the latest innovations in rice milling technology.” She added that the facility will operate with high efficiency, aiming to minimize waste and deliver superior quality output, which should bolster the agricultural value chain extensively.

The project will be complemented by a set of 32 silos, each capable of holding 2,500 metric tonnes of paddy rice, including a dedicated power generation unit that will supply 5.8 megawatts of electricity to support operations. “This project aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on the national grid,” Abdurrahman remarked, stressing the energy independence aspect of the mill.

In return for a steady supply of rice, the Dangote Group will guarantee to purchase from local farmers, sourcing essential inputs such as fertilizers and seedlings in a bid to empower them. Abdurrahman emphasized the project’s potential to create substantial employment opportunities and to foster agricultural development throughout Nigeria.

Aminu Takuma, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, spoke on behalf of Governor Muhammed Bago, expressing that Niger State is eager for large-scale agricultural investments. He appreciated the Dangote Group’s involvement and urged them to leverage the competitive investment climate in the state.

As part of ongoing development efforts, Takuma also indicated the government’s intention to elevate the Niger Trade Fair to an international standard, which could attract more business opportunities.

Moreover, Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, called upon private enterprises to recognize and exploit the state’s agricultural potential. Dr. Suleiman Ladan, representing the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, affirmed the importance of commercial agriculture in President Bola Tinubu’s economic strategy, emphasizing its central role in national development.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Dangote Group and the Niger State Government marks a significant step towards bolstering rice production in Nigeria and enhancing food security. The project promises improved local agricultural capabilities, job creation, and substantial investments in the sector. Stakeholders from both the public and private spheres are encouraged to engage in this transformative initiative aimed at revitalizing the state’s agricultural landscape.

Original Source: punchng.com