Dangote, Niger Govt Sign Pact to Boost Paddy Rice Production
By Patience Ikpeme
To ramp up rice production and strengthen Nigeria’s food supply chain, Dangote Rice Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, has entered into a purchase and sales agreement with the Niger State Government-owned Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited for the steady supply of paddy rice.
The agreement, which was signed at the Lagos headquarters of Dangote Industries, is expected to deepen agricultural collaboration between the private sector and state governments. It will see Niger Foods engage in large-scale mechanised commercial farming focused on cultivating and supplying paddy rice to Dangote Rice for processing and distribution.
Welcoming the delegation from Niger State, led by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, said the collaboration is another strategic step towards achieving food self-sufficiency in Nigeria, similar to what his conglomerate has accomplished in the cement and oil refining sectors.
Dangote described Niger Foods as a committed partner in rice farming and processing, with both parties sharing a common vision to grow efficient and profitable agricultural businesses that would drive national food security. He said the partnership would ensure consistent supply of high-quality paddy rice, strengthen Nigeria’s rice production network, and bolster sustainable agricultural development.
He disclosed that Dangote Rice has made significant investments in rice mills and plantations across the country as part of its out-grower scheme to generate employment and support local farmers. He added that Niger State has now joined five other states—Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano and Nasarawa—where Dangote is developing rice mills.
By the end of 2026, Dangote Rice plans to off-take one million tons of paddy rice from Nigerian farmers, a move Dangote said would deepen the nation’s rice supply network and provide market assurance to farmers who often face uncertainty about selling their produce.
Governor Bago, while speaking at the event, praised Dangote’s investment track record and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to transform agriculture in Niger State. He said the state’s vast arable land and water resources give it a comparative advantage in rice production. He added that the state has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lagos State, which is establishing a food hub, and has also engaged Turkish investors to strengthen its agricultural output.
“We are transitioning our people from primitive to modern farming techniques. We are excited about this development because it aligns with our goal to feed ourselves and create economic opportunities for our people,” the governor said.
Managing Director of Dangote Rice, Thabo Mabe, who signed on behalf of the company, described the agreement as a major milestone in the pursuit of food self-sufficiency. He said the deal would not only improve rice production but also bring delight to Nigerian consumers who depend on the staple food.
Executive Chairman of Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company, Sammy Adigun, stated that the partnership has the potential to unlock over ₦18 trillion in revenue in the long term. He said the project will cover thousands of hectares and directly support over 5,000 farmers in the rice value chain.
