Dangote expands footprint in Niger with rice mill, 10-year offtake deal

Dangote Industries Limited has partnered with the Niger State Government to accelerate industrialisation, expand agricultural production, and attract investments into the state.

Dangote Group disclosed that the collaboration covers multiple economic initiatives, including a long-term rice production agreement and participation in the 22nd Niger National Trade Fair.

In a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, the company said Dangote Rice Limited had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Niger State Government for the supply of paddy rice over the next 10 years.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and President of Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote during the official aggrement in 2025

Under the agreement, Dangote Rice Limited will guarantee the off-take of one million metric tonnes of paddy rice to be supplied by Niger Foods, a move aimed at strengthening food sufficiency and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported rice.

The statement quoted the Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, as saying that construction work on the company’s rice mill in Niger State was progressing steadily.

According to her, the 32-metric-tonnes-per-hour Dangote Rice Mill, situated on a 30-hectare site in Wushishi, is on course for completion.

She said the project would significantly boost local rice production, create employment opportunities, and support agricultural development in both Niger State and the country.

“Construction of the Dangote Rice Mill is progressing steadily and remains on track for completion. This landmark project represents a major step in supporting the food security initiatives of Niger State,” Wali-Abdurrahman said.

She added that several Strategic Business Units of the Dangote Group are participating in the 22nd Niger Trade Fair, including Dangote Cement Plc, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and Dangote Fertiliser Limited.

According to her, the company also established a dedicated help desk at the trade fair venue to attend to inquiries relating to the Dangote Refinery, the company’s Vision 2030 agenda, and other business operations.

Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the Niger National Trade Fair scheduled to open on Thursday, May 14, 2026, with the theme: “Public-Private Partnership as the Panacea for Nigeria Economic Growth and Stability.”

Director-General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Adamu Salihu, said the fair is expected to attract about 300 exhibitors, including investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across Nigeria.

Salihu described Dangote as a major driver of industrial growth across Africa, noting that the group’s continued participation has strengthened the relevance and sustainability of the annual trade fair.

Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, had earlier disclosed that Niger State would develop 25,000 hectares of commercial rice farms under the partnership.

He said the 10-year initiative is expected to generate about 50,000 direct jobs while expanding the state’s role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.