Niger, Dangote Group Partner On Food Security

Niger State government and the Dangote Group are fostering a sectoral partnership worth billions of naira to promote food security in the country.

Dangote Group said significant investment had been deployed in the company’s rice production infrastructure in the state.

The Niger Food Initiative is an agricultural development programme launched by the state government in partnership with private sector players.

Senior special adviser to the president of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, said the company’s state-of-the-art rice mill in Wushishi was progressing steadily and on track for completion.

At the opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, she said, “As part of our commitment to advance agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State.”

Dangote Group is one of the sponsors of the 21st trade fair organised by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA).

Speaking on the theme, “Commercial Agriculture as the Major Contributor to Sub-National Economic Growth and National GDP,” she said, “This initiative is expected to enhance food security and generate significant employment opportunities for the state’s population.

“This landmark project represents a significant step forward in bolstering food security initiatives of the state. Upon its delivery, the mill is expected to enhance local rice production, create employment opportunities and contribute to the agricultural development of Nigeria.”

According to her, the 32 metric tonnes per hour mill is a cutting-edge facility being developed on a 30-hectare site designed to significantly enhance rice production and storage capacity in the state.

“This state-of-the-art facility incorporates the latest innovations in rice milling technology, ensuring 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 added.

She said the project is expected to generate employment opportunities, support local farmers with necessary inputs like fertilizer and seedlings and contribute substantially to the State’s food security goals.

“We will source the rice from local out growers and act as 100 percent off-takers of the production at competitive market prices. The Dangote Rice Mill will also feature an on-site captive power generation facility capable of producing 5.8 megawatts of electricity. The project aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on the national grid,” she stated.

Earlier in his address, president of the Niger State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Dr Bisi Adeniyi, called on the private sector to take advantage of the massive land in Niger State and invest in agriculture.