The Dangote Group has unveiled a multi-billion naira agricultural partnership with the Niger State Government to boost rice production and strengthen Nigeria’s food security.

According to a statement, the Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, announced the partnership during the opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna.

She disclosed that the conglomerate is investing heavily in a 32 metric tonnes per hour rice mill project located in Wushishi, which sits on a 30-hectare site, noting that the mill is “progressing steadily and on track for completion.”

She stated that the project forms part of the Niger Food Initiative, an agricultural development programme launched by the state government in collaboration with the private sector.

“As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State,” the Dangote official said.

Abdurrahman explained that the high-capacity mill would significantly boost rice production and storage in the state, describing it as “a cutting-edge facility that incorporates the latest innovations in rice milling technology.”

“This state-of-the-art facility ensures high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output,” she added. “Once operational, it will not only boost local rice production but also strengthen the entire agricultural value chain, from farm to market.”

Further, Abdurrahman noted that the mill would be supported by 32 silos, each with a capacity of 2,500 metric tonnes of paddy rice, and would include a captive power generation facility producing 5.8 megawatts of electricity.

“The project aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on the national grid,” she noted.

Abdurrahman added that the Dangote Group would also act as 100 per cent off-takers of rice produced by local out-growers, sourcing inputs like fertilisers and seedlings for farmers, asserting that the project will “generate significant employment opportunities and contribute to the agricultural development of Nigeria.”

Speaking on behalf of Governor Muhammed Bago, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Takuma, said Niger State is open for massive investment in agriculture. He commended the Dangote Group and urged it to take advantage of the state’s investor-friendly environment.

Takuma also disclosed that the state government is working to upgrade the Niger Trade Fair to an international event.

President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr Bisi Adeniyi, called on private sector players to invest in the state’s vast agricultural potential.

On his part, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, who was represented by Dr Suleiman Ladan, said commercial agriculture remains central to President Bola Tinubu’s economic development agenda.