In a major boost to commercial agriculture in Nigeria, the Dangote Group and the Niger State Government are fostering sectoral partnership worth billions of Naira.

The conglomerate said significant investment has 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 State Government in partnership with private sector players like the Dangote Group.

Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, said the company’s state-of-the-art rice mill in Wushishi is “progressing steadily and on track for completion.”

Speaking Thursday at the official opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, she said: “As part of our commitment to advancing 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 organized 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 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.”

According to her, the 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour Mill is a cutting-edge facility developed on a 30-hectare site, designed to 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 was expected to generate employment opportunities, support local farmers with necessary inputs like fertilizer and seedlings, and contribute to the State’s food security goals.

“We will source the rice from local out growers and act as 100% 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 added that close to Wushishi, the company is constructing 32 silos, each with a storage capacity of 2,500 metric tons of paddy rice.

In his remark, Gov. Muhammed Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Takuma, said the state government was opening up the state for 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.

He also announced that plans was afoot to make the Niger Trade Fair an international event.

Speaking earlier, President of the Niger 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.

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