Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has entered into a partnership with the Niger State Government aimed at accelerating industrialisation, unlocking investment opportunities, and creating sustainable wealth in the state. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer of the company, Anthony Chiejina, highlighting the firm's commitment to deepening economic opportunities in Niger State through strategic investments and collaborations.
Rice Supply Agreement and Mill Development
According to the statement, Dangote Rice Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government for the supply of paddy rice over the next decade. The agreement guarantees an offtake of one million metric tonnes of paddy rice to be provided by Niger Foods, aimed at boosting food sufficiency in the country. The statement quoted the Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Mrs Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, who confirmed that construction work on the company’s rice mill in the state is progressing steadily. She noted that the 32 metric tonnes per hour Dangote Rice Mill, situated on a 30-hectare site in Wushishi, remains on track for completion. According to her, the project will strengthen food security initiatives in the state, enhance local rice production, create jobs, and contribute to agricultural development in Nigeria.
Participation in Niger Trade Fair
Wali-Abdurrahman also disclosed that several Strategic Business Units of Dangote Group are participating in the 22nd Niger Trade Fair. Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the trade fair, which is scheduled to officially open on Thursday, May 14, 2026, under the theme “Public Private Partnership as the Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Stability.” The participating business units include Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Salt (NASCON), Dangote Sugar Refinery, and Dangote Fertiliser Limited. She added that a special desk has been created at the fair to address inquiries regarding Dangote Refinery, the company’s Vision 2030, and other business operations.
Impact on Industrialisation and Local Economy
Speaking with journalists in Minna, the Director-General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Adamu Salihu, stated that the fair is expected to attract approximately 300 exhibitors, including investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across the country. Salihu described Dangote Group as a major driver of industrialisation in Nigeria and Africa. “Dangote is not only industrialising Nigeria but indeed the whole of Africa. Niger Chamber of Commerce will use the Trade Fair to showcase and promote Dangote’s achievements to Nigerlites, Nigeria, and Africa,” he said. He added that the company’s consistent participation in the annual Niger Trade Fair has remained one of the motivating factors behind the organisation of the event. Salihu urged indigenous companies to invest in Nigeria’s vast economic potential, stressing that local investments create lasting value through job creation, capacity development, and sustainable national prosperity.
Job Creation and Agricultural Development
Also speaking, the Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, said the state will develop 25,000 hectares of commercial rice farms under the partnership. He added that the 10-year partnership is expected to create about 50,000 direct jobs, further contributing to economic growth and stability in the region.
