By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.

Niger State Government, through its food security and logistics arm, Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Nigeria’s rice sovereignty with a landmark collaboration involving the Dangote Group and Africa Rice.

Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, noted that “Rice is more than just a crop; it is a lifeline for millions of Nigerians,”.

According to him, any new policy must balance the needs of farmers, consumers, and the state.

He assured that the partnership is strategically designed to deliver on the national goal of producing 10 million metric tons of rice annually, thereby reducing dependence on imports and strengthening national food security.

As part of the program, Niger State has dedicated 500,000 hectares of farmland, with the initiative projected to create 500,000 jobs across the agricultural value chain.

“This partnership is a bold step towards ensuring food self-sufficiency in Nigeria. With the industrial capacity of Dangote Group and the technical expertise of Africa Rice, we are confident that Niger State will play a leading role in making Nigeria self-reliant in rice production,” said Mr. Adigun.

The initiative aligns with the vision of Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, whose “Farm to Prosperity” agenda emphasizes mechanized agriculture as a driver of economic growth, youth empowerment, and rural development.

This collaboration is expected not only to boost local rice output but also to attract new investments in processing, storage, and logistics infrastructure, creating a sustainable value chain that guarantees affordability and accessibility of rice for Nigerian households.