Dangote Powers Niger’s Agricultural Revolution with Mega Rice Mill Project

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On May 23, 2025

Dangote Powers Niger’s Agricultural Revolution with Mega Rice Mill Project

In a significant push to elevate Nigeria’s commercial agriculture, the Dangote Group has teamed up with the Niger State Government to drive a transformative partnership valued in billions of naira. This collaboration is anchored in the state’s flagship Niger Food Initiative, a public-private scheme aimed at revolutionizing food production and creating jobs.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, revealed that construction is well underway on a world-class rice milling plant in Wushishi, Niger State.

“As part of our long-term commitment to agricultural development, we are building one of Nigeria’s largest rice mills right here in Niger,” she said, reaffirming the conglomerate’s role in expanding food production and strengthening the agricultural value chain.

Dangote Group is a major sponsor of this year’s 21st edition of the Trade Fair, organized by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA). Themed Commercial Agriculture as a Key Driver of Subnational Economies and the National GDP, the event highlights agriculture as a pillar of economic resilience.

Abdurrahman emphasized that the rice mill, with a processing capacity of 32 metric tonnes per hour and located on a 30-hectare site, is poised to transform the region’s food production. “This high-tech facility will deliver premium quality rice, reduce post-harvest losses, and uplift thousands of farmers through a reliable off-taker system,” she added.

The mill will be backed by 32 modern silos, each capable of storing 2,500 metric tons of paddy rice. It also includes an independent power plant that generates 5.8 megawatts of electricity, reducing reliance on the national grid and ensuring round-the-clock operations.

“This is more than just infrastructure. We’re creating jobs, boosting incomes, and ensuring that Niger State becomes a hub for agricultural excellence,” she explained. Farmers across the state will benefit from access to inputs such as fertilizer and improved seedlings, all while being guaranteed a ready market for their produce.

Representing Governor Umar Muhammed Bago, Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, lauded Dangote Group’s commitment and invited more investors to explore the state’s vast opportunities. He also revealed plans to elevate the Niger Trade Fair to international status.

Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, President of NCCIMA, urged private sector players to tap into Niger’s abundant arable land for agribusiness ventures. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, represented by Dr. Suleiman Ladan, reiterated that commercial agriculture remains a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic roadmap.

With bold investments and collaborative efforts like this, Niger State is rapidly positioning itself as a powerhouse of agribusiness and food security in Nigeria.

Dangote Powers Niger’s Agricultural Revolution with Mega Rice Mill Project