Niger State, Dangote Sign ₦1.8 Trillion Deal to Launch Nigeria’s Largest Rice Farm, Create 50,000 Jobs

In a landmark move to boost food security and agricultural development, Niger State has signed a ₦1.8 trillion guaranteed offtake agreement with Dangote Industries Limited to establish Nigeria’s largest rice farm. The transformative 10-year project will span 25,000 hectares, create 50,000 jobs, and engage another 50,000 local farmers.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago hailed the agreement as a “game-changer” that will elevate Niger State into a key hub for food production and agro-industrial growth. The project is being spearheaded by the Niger State Investment Promotion Agency (NSIPA) in collaboration with Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Ltd, which will supply locally grown paddy rice to Dangote Rice Limited.

To support large-scale cultivation, the project will utilize water resources from both the River Niger and River Kaduna, ensuring sustainable irrigation.

NSIPA Managing Director Dr. Abdullahi Bala described the agreement as a model public-private partnership, underscoring its alignment with Nigeria’s food security priorities and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) strategy.

This historic collaboration marks a major leap toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and cementing its role in regional food trade.