Dangote, Niger gov sign N1.8 trn agreement to boost rice production

The Dangote Rice Limited and the Niger State Government have signed a N1.8 trillion agreement to grow the supply and offtake of paddy rice over the next 10 years. The Niger government disclosed on Thursday in a statement posted on X that the agreement was signed in Lagos at the office of the President of […]

The Dangote Rice Limited and the Niger State Government have signed a N1.8 trillion agreement to grow the supply and offtake of paddy rice over the next 10 years.

The Niger government disclosed on Thursday in a statement posted on X that the agreement was signed in Lagos at the office of the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.

“According to the agreement, Niger Foods will supply high-quality paddy rice to Dangote Rice Limited to foster sustainable agricultural development and food sufficiency in Nigeria,” the government said.

Speaking on the agreement, the Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, said Niger State is required to develop 25,000 hectares of commercial rice farms and also support 50,000 local farmers.

He disclosed that the partnership is for 10 years and will create 50,000 direct jobs, and it will enable the state to utilise water from the rivers Niger and Kaduna as well as water sources to boost rice production in the state.

 The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote described the partnership as the result of long-term discussions focused on food production and self-sufficiency.

He explained that Dangote Group has invested massively in rice mills and plantations across the country to create employment opportunities through the out-growers scheme and promote food self-sufficiency and security.

He said Niger now joins five other states where his company is building rice mills.

Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, expressed delight and reassured that the state is poised to feed Nigeria.

He said his administration understands the comparative advantage of water and arable land that the state has over its counterparts and will leverage that to promote agriculture and its entire value chain, as well as create employment opportunities.