Niger, Dangote Sign N1.8trn Deal to Boost Rice Production

The Niger State Government has signed a ₦1.8 trillion agreement with Dangote Rice Limited to grow the supply and offtake of paddy rice over the next 10 years.

The state 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.

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.