Niger State has secured its biggest investment yet through a ₦1.8 trillion guaranteed offtake agreement with Dangote Industries Ltd, aimed at creating Nigeria’s largest rice farm. The official signing took place at the Lagos office of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, marking a major step in agricultural investment and food security.
Speaking at the event, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the deal as “a game-changer for Niger State.”
He emphasized that the agreement would open up huge economic opportunities, support food production, and create thousands of jobs. “This historic partnership guarantees a stable market for our farmers, ensuring continued production and economic growth,” Bago stated.
The 10-year project, facilitated by the Niger State Investment Promotion Agency (NSIPA), will be developed across 25,000 hectares of land. Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Ltd will supply high-quality paddy rice to Dangote Rice Limited, building a strong and sustainable agricultural value chain.
The initiative is expected to support 50,000 local farmers and create 50,000 direct jobs, boosting both employment and food availability in the region.
Water for the rice farms will be sourced from the Rivers Niger and Kaduna, making efficient use of natural resources to increase rice output. This move further positions Niger State as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. The agreement aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhancing intra-African trade and regional integration.
Dr. Abdullahi Bala, Managing Director of NSIPA, said the agency’s role in facilitating the deal reflects Niger State’s proactive stance on drawing in high-impact investments.
“We are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and placing Niger State at the heart of Nigeria’s food security plan,” he said.
This major investment sets a national benchmark for state-level public-private partnerships and signals a new era of industrial-scale agriculture in Nigeria, with Niger State taking the lead.