Dangote and Niger Government Sign N1.8 Trillion Rice Deal

The Niger State Government has entered a ₦1.8 trillion partnership with Dangote Rice Limited to strengthen rice farming and guarantee the purchase of paddy rice across the state.

The deal was sealed in Lagos at the office of Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group. It is part of a 10-year collaboration aimed at making Niger State a key player in Nigeria’s push for food self-sufficiency.

Under the agreement, Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Ltd. will deliver high-grade paddy rice to Dangote Rice Limited. In return, the company will guarantee offtake, giving local farmers confidence that their harvests will not go to waste.

To meet its part of the deal, Niger State will establish 25,000 hectares of commercial rice farms and support 50,000 smallholder farmers. The initiative is expected to create 50,000 direct jobs and boost rice production by tapping into the water resources of the Niger and Kaduna Rivers.

Dangote said this partnership follows extensive conversations focused on improving food security across the country. He noted that his company already has rice mills in development in five other states and described Niger as a welcome addition.

The business mogul stressed that commercial agriculture will only grow if the private sector partners with government. He described this model as vital for solving economic and social problems, especially unemployment.

Dangote praised Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s aggressive approach to mechanized agriculture, saying the administration has shown strong leadership in large-scale farming, making it a credible partner.

He also assured local rice farmers that they have no reason to fear for the marketability of their produce, as the agreement guarantees a buyer for all output.

Governor Bago said the state’s abundant water and fertile land give it a natural edge in farming. He expressed confidence that Niger can become a major contributor to feeding the nation, especially with strong backing from private players like Dangote.

The partnership is seen as a step toward transforming Niger State into a hub for commercial agriculture while building a reliable value chain that supports farmers, generates jobs, and improves food access.