Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has unveiled a significant agricultural investment in northern Nigeria aimed at boosting rice production and enhancing food security.

The initiative, announced at a trade fair organized by the Dangote Group, involves a partnership with the Niger State government to establish a large-scale rice milling facility.

Fatima Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President of the Dangote Group, confirmed the project’s scope, revealing plans to build a rice mill with a processing capacity of 32 metric tons per hour on a 30-hectare site.

She described the investment as a cornerstone of the Niger Food Initiative, a public-private agricultural development program launched by the state government.

“As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State,” Abdurrahman said.

The new facility will be equipped with 32 silos, each capable of storing 2,500 metric tons of paddy rice, and powered by a 5.8-megawatt captive power plant to ensure continuous operation.

“This state-of-the-art facility ensures high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output,” Abdurrahman added.

Beyond milling capacity, the Dangote Group will serve as the exclusive buyer for rice produced by local farmers participating in the out-grower scheme.

The company will also supply essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seedlings, supporting thousands of smallholder farmers throughout Niger State.

Highlighting the broader impact, Abdurrahman emphasized the project’s role in creating jobs and strengthening the agricultural value chain.

A representative from the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, reiterated that commercial agriculture remains a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda.

Abdurrahman concluded by emphasizing the facility’s cutting-edge technology, designed to deliver efficient, high-quality, and sustainable rice production.

“Once operational, it will not only boost local rice production but also strengthen the entire agricultural value chain, from farm to market,” she said.