Dangote Strengthening Strategic Economic Partnership With Niger

Driven by its commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) is partnering with the Niger State Government to fast-track industrialisation, unlock investment opportunities, and create sustainable wealth in the State.

A statement from the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said currently the company was partnering with the state government to deepen economic opportunities in the State.

The spokesman said apart from the annual sponsorship of Trade Fair, the Dangote Rice Limited had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state on the supply of paddy rice over the next 10 years.

“According to the MoU, Dangote Rice Limited has committed to a guaranteed off take of 1 million metric tons of paddy rice, which Niger Foods will supply to boost food sufficiency in Nigeria.”

The Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, said that the construction of the company’s rice mill in the state was in progress.

She said: “Construction of the 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour (MTPH) Dangote Rice Mill, being developed on a 30-hectare site in Wushishi, is progressing steadily and is on track for completion.

“This landmark project represents a significant step forward in bolstering the food security initiatives of the State.

”Upon its delivery, the mill is expected to enhance local rice production, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the agricultural development of Nigeria.”

Mrs Wali-Abdurrahman added that the Strategic Business Units of the company are participating in the 22nd edition of Niger Trade Fair.

Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the Niger National Trade Fair which officially opens on Thursday, and has as its theme: “Public Private Partnership as the Panacea for Nigeria Economic Growth and Stability.”

The participating Business Units, according to her include Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Salt (NASCON), Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), and Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL).

She said there was a special desk to help participant with inquiries on Dangote Refinery, the company’s vision 2030 and several of its businesses.

Speaking to newsmen in Minna, the Director General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Adamu Salihu, said this year’s fair would  attract no fewer than 300 exhibitors, which include investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across the country.

Salihu said: “Dangote is not only industrialising Nigeria but indeed the whole Africa. Niger Chamber of Commerce will use the Trade Fair to escalate and promote Dangote achievements to Nigerlites, Nigeria and Africa.

“The consistent participation of Dangote Group in the annual Niger Trade Fair is one of the key factors that motivates the Niger Chamber of Commerce to organise the event every year.

“One of the most important lessons Nigerian businesses can draw from Dangote Group’s bold investment vision is the need to believe in Nigeria and invest in the country’s vast potential. Building the Nigeria of our dreams requires indigenous companies to take the lead in driving industrialisation and economic growth.

“While foreign investors can play a valuable role, their primary objective is to generate returns that are ultimately repatriated to their home countries. Local investment, on the other hand, creates lasting value through job creation, capacity development, and sustainable national prosperity.”

Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, said that Niger State was required to develop 25,000 hectares of commercial rice farms and create 50,000 direct jobs, adding that the partnership was for 10 years.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz