Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) says it is strengthening its strategic partnership with the Niger State Government in a bid to accelerate industrialisation, expand investment opportunities, and promote sustainable economic growth in the state.

According to a statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the conglomerate is currently collaborating with the state government on multiple initiatives aimed at deepening economic development.

He disclosed that beyond its annual sponsorship of the Niger Trade Fair, Dangote Rice Limited has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state for the supply of paddy rice.

Under the agreement, Dangote Rice Limited will undertake a guaranteed off-take of one million metric tons of paddy rice to be supplied by Niger Foods, with the goal of boosting food sufficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

The statement also quoted the Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, as confirming steady progress on the company’s rice milling project in the state.

She said the 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour (MTPH) Dangote Rice Mill, being developed on a 30-hectare site in Wushishi, is nearing completion and is expected to significantly enhance local rice production, create jobs, and support Nigeria’s food security drive.

“Construction of the 32 MTPH Dangote Rice Mill in Wushishi is progressing steadily and remains on track for completion. The project represents a major milestone in strengthening food security and boosting agricultural development in the state,” she said.

Wali-Abdurrahman further noted that Dangote Group’s strategic business units are participating in the 22nd Niger Trade Fair, which opens on May 14, 2026, under the theme “Public-Private Partnership as the Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Stability.”
She listed participating units to include Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Salt (NASCON), Dangote Sugar Refinery, and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, among others.

A dedicated desk has also been set up to provide information on Dangote Refinery and other group investments.
Speaking in Minna, the Director General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Adamu Salihu, said the 2026 trade fair is expected to attract about 300 exhibitors, including investors, policymakers and business leaders from across the country.

He commended Dangote Group for its sustained participation in the annual event, describing the conglomerate as a key driver of industrialisation in Nigeria and across Africa.

“Dangote is not only industrialising Nigeria but indeed Africa. The Niger Chamber of Commerce will use the trade fair to showcase Dangote’s achievements to Nigerlites, Nigerians and the African continent,” he said.

Salihu added that the consistent involvement of Dangote Group remains a major motivation for organising the annual trade fair, noting that local investment is critical to sustainable national development.

“Building the Nigeria of our dreams requires indigenous companies to take the lead in driving industrialisation and economic growth,” he said.

Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, also revealed that the state plans to develop 25,000 hectares of commercial rice farms under the partnership, which he said is expected to create about 50,000 direct jobs over a 10-year period.