Dangote Group and Niger State Partner for Major Rice Project

The Dangote Group and Niger State Government launched a multi-billion naira rice production partnership, featuring a 32 metric tonnes/hour rice mill in Wushishi. This project is part of the Niger Food Initiative and aims to bolster local agriculture and food security, while supporting local farmers and creating jobs.

The Dangote Group has made headlines recently as it revealed a significant agricultural partnership with the Niger State Government aimed at bolstering rice production and enhancing food security in Nigeria. This multi-billion naira initiative was announced by Fatima Abdurrahman, the Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, during the launch of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna.

Abdurrahman detailed that this partnership includes a colossal investment in a 32 metric tonnes per hour rice mill situated in Wushishi, on a sizeable 30-hectare site. She emphasized that the mill’s construction is currently progressing and is on schedule for a timely completion, which aligns with the objectives of the Niger Food Initiative—a collaboration between the Niger State Government and the private sector aimed at agricultural development.

“As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State,” said Abdurrahman. She highlighted that the newly proposed high-capacity mill would drastically enhance both rice production and storage capabilities within the region, labelling it as a “cutting-edge facility” that employs the latest technology in rice milling.

Additionally, Abdurrahman pointed out that the mill’s infrastructure would include 32 silos, each equipped to hold 2,500 metric tonnes of paddy rice, accompanied by a captive power generation unit that can produce up to 5.8 megawatts of electricity. “This project aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on the national grid,” she added, illustrating the project’s potential for sustainability.

Moreover, she mentioned that the Dangote Group would serve as 100 percent off-takers for the rice yielded by local out-growers, furthering their commitment to sourcing agricultural inputs like fertilizers and seedlings for local farmers. Abdurrahman asserted that this project is poised to create substantial employment opportunities and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Aminu Takuma, Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, spoke on behalf of Governor Muhammed Bago, indicating that Niger State is receptive to major agricultural investments. He lauded the Dangote Group’s initiative, encouraging it to capitalize on the state’s favorable environment for investors. Takuma also revealed plans by the state government to elevate the Niger Trade Fair into an international event.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, who serves as the President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, urged private sector entities to tap into the vast agricultural potential the state presents. Additionally, Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, underscoring the importance of commercial agriculture, emphasized that it remains at the forefront of President Bola Tinubu’s economic development strategy.

The Dangote Group’s new rice project in partnership with the Niger State Government signifies a monumental step towards reinforcing Nigeria’s agricultural framework and food security. By investing in a large-scale rice mill and supporting local farmers, this initiative promises to enhance rice production and employment while reducing reliance on external sources. The collaborative focus on agricultural innovation and local economies could pave the way for significant growth in the region’s agricultural sector.

Original Source: punchng.com