Dangote Group, Niger govt move to boost commercial agriculture

The Dangote Group and the Niger State Government have fostered a sectoral partnership worth billions of naira to boost commercial agriculture in Nigeria. The conglomerate, in a statement, noted that significant investment had been deployed into the company’s rice production infrastructure in the state, even as it is partnering the government on the Niger Food […]

The Dangote Group and the Niger State Government have fostered a sectoral partnership worth billions of naira to boost commercial agriculture in Nigeria.

The conglomerate, in a statement, noted that significant investment had been deployed into the company’s rice production infrastructure in the state, even as it is partnering the government on the Niger Food initiative. 

The Niger Food initiative is an agricultural development programme launched by the Niger State Government in partnership with private sector players like the Dangote Group.

A senior special adviser to the president and the chief executive 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.” 

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Andurrahman, who said this recently at the official opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, said: “As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State.”’

Speaking on the 21st Trade Fair organised by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), which the Dangote Group is one of the sponsors, she said that looking at the theme: “Commercial Agriculture as the Major Contributor to Sub National Economic Growth and National GDP,” the 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 the 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,” she said.

Additionally, she said the project was expected to generate employment opportunities, support local farmers with necessary inputs like fertiliser and seedlings and contribute substantially to the state’s food security goals. 

In his remark, Governor Umar Muhammed Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, said the government was opening up the state for massive investment in commercial agriculture. 

He commended the Dangote Group and urged it to take advantage of several investment opportunities and the conducive environment in the state.