The spokesman for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina. Credit: Dangote Group
Dangote Industries Limited is partnering with the Niger State Government to accelerate industrialisation, attract investment, and expand economic opportunities in the state.
According to a statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company is collaborating with the state government on several economic initiatives.
The statement stated that apart from sponsoring the annual trade fair, Dangote Rice Limited had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the state government for the supply of paddy rice over the next 10 years.
“According to the MoU, Dangote Rice Limited has committed to a guaranteed off-take of 1 million metric tons of paddy rice, which Niger Foods will supply to boost food sufficiency in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The statement quoted the Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, as saying that construction of the company’s rice mill in the state was progressing.
“Construction of the 32 metric tonnes per hour Dangote Rice Mill, being developed on a 30-hectare site in Wushishi, is progressing steadily and is on track for completion. This landmark project represents a significant step forward in bolstering the food security initiatives of the state,” she said.
“Upon its delivery, the mill is expected to enhance local rice production, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the agricultural development of Nigeria.”
Wali-Abdurrahman also stated that the Strategic Business Units of the company were participating in the 22nd edition of the Niger Trade Fair.
She said Dangote Cement Plc, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and Dangote Fertiliser Limited were among the participating business units.
According to her, a dedicated desk was also created to attend to inquiries relating to the Dangote Refinery, the company’s Vision 2030 agenda, and other business operations.
The 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.”
The Director-General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Adamu Salihu, said this year’s fair was expected to attract about 300 exhibitors, including investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across the country.
“Dangote is not only industrialising Nigeria but indeed the whole of Africa. Niger Chamber of Commerce will use the Trade Fair to escalate and promote Dangote achievements to Nigerlites, Nigeria, and Africa,” he said.
Salihu added, “The consistent participation of Dangote Group in the annual Niger Trade Fair is one of the key factors that motivates the Niger Chamber of Commerce to organise the event every year.
“One of the most important lessons Nigerian businesses can draw from Dangote Group’s bold investment vision is the need to believe in Nigeria and invest in the country’s vast potential. Building the Nigeria of our dreams requires indigenous companies to take the lead in driving industrialisation and economic growth.
“While foreign investors can play a valuable role, their primary objective is to generate returns that are ultimately repatriated to their home countries. Local investment, on the other hand, creates lasting value through job creation, capacity development, and sustainable national prosperity.”
Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, had said Niger State would be required to develop 25,000 hectares of commercial rice farms under the partnership, adding that the initiative would run for 10 years and create 50,000 direct jobs.
