The Dangote Group has announced a multi-billion naira agricultural collaboration with the Niger State Government to improve rice production and enhance the country’s food security.
The company recently revealed that conglomerate is set to invest heavily in a 32 metric tonnes per hour rice mill project.
Speaking during the opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, the Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, said that the mill is currently progressing steadily and is set for quick completion.
Fatima said that the project aligns with the Niger Food Initiative, an agricultural development programme launched by the state government in collaboration with the private sector.
According to her, the high-capacity mill would go a long way towards boosting rice production and storage in Niger, and it would guarantee the presence of a top-class facility that incorporates the latest innovations in rice milling technology in the state.
“As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State.
This state-of-the-art facility ensures 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,” she said.
Announcing that the mill would be supported by 32 silos, each with a capacity of 2,500 metric tonnes of paddy rice, Fatima noted that it would also come with a captive power generation facility producing 5.8 megawatts of electricity.
She announced that the Dangote Group would be acting as 100 per cent off-takers of rice manufactured by local out-growers, confirming that the company would readily source inputs like fertilisers and seedlings for farmers, thereby generating major employment opportunities that will aid the agricultural development of Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of Niger State Governor, Muhammed Bago, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Takuma, disclosed that the state appreciates Dangote Group for its good work. He then urged Aliko to keep taking advantage of the state’s investor-friendly environment.
The President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr Bisi Adeniyi, added that the private sector players should consider investing in the state’s massive agricultural potential.
