Africa's richest man, Dangote, announces major investment to boost rice production
Aliko Dangote, Africa's wealthiest individual, announces a significant agricultural investment in northern Nigeria.
A state-of-the-art rice mill, with a production capacity of 32 metric tons per hour, is being constructed on a 30-hectare site.
The project is part of the Niger Food Initiative, aimed at improving food security and supporting local farmers.
At a trade fair spearheaded by the Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President of the Dangote Group, confirmed the multi-billion naira initiative.
The company disclosed that it is constructing a high-capacity rice mill with a production capacity of 32 metric tons per hour on a 30-hectare site.
Abdurrahman described the project as a key component 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,' She said.
Facility infrastructure and benefits
The facility will feature 32 silos, each capable of storing 2,500 metric tons of paddy rice, and a 5.8-megawatt captive power plant to ensure uninterrupted operations. ' This state-of-the-art facility ensures high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output, ' Abdurrahman added.
Beyond infrastructure, the Dangote Group will operate as a 100% off-taker for rice produced by local farmers under the out-grower scheme.
The conglomerate will also be a major supplier of essential inputs, such as fertilizers and seedlings, supporting thousands of smallholder farmers across the state.
She further emphasized the project's significant social and economic impact, highlighting that it will create substantial employment opportunities and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
A representative of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, joined the conversation, reiterating that commercial agriculture is a major focus of President Bola Tinubu's economic development agenda.
Abdurrahman concluded by describing the rice mill as a cutting-edge facility that integrates the latest milling technologies for efficient, high-quality, and sustainable 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.
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