Dangote Moves to Revitalise Nigeria's Agriculture Sector

News in brief:

-Dangote Group and key stakeholders will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector, support mechanisation, job creation, and food security.

-The company highlights major investments in rice mills and sugar backwards-integration projects, reinforcing its role in national economic growth.

Dangote Group has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector, announcing expanded partnerships and investments as it sponsors the 17th National Agricultural Show, which opened yesterday in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

In a statement, the group’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, said mechanised agriculture remains central to improving Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creating sustainable employment for the country’s rapidly expanding youth population.

“Through this partnership, the company aims to encourage greater participation in commercial agriculture and reinforce its role in advancing Nigeria’s economic growth,” Chiejina said.

Rebuilding Nigeria's Agricultural Value Chain

He described the theme of this year’s event as highly relevant, noting that rebuilding the agricultural value chain is essential for economic stability.

“Restoring the value of agriculture offers Nigeria more than nostalgic appeal; it provides a pragmatic route to economic renewal,” he added. “With the right incentives and modern practices, agriculture can once again serve as a reliable engine of growth, anchoring jobs, stabilising markets, and giving the economy a sturdier foundation.”

The National Agricultural Show, regarded as a major feature in Nigeria’s agribusiness calendar, serves as a platform for showcasing innovations across the agricultural value chain.

Dangote Developing Rice Mills Across States

According to the statement, Dangote Group is currently developing rice mills across Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto states, with a combined annual processing capacity of 1.5 million tonnes. These investments align with the federal government’s broader efforts to push for food security.

Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Mrs Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, reiterated the company’s commitment to restoring value to Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector. She highlighted the group’s heavy investments in backwards-integration sugar projects in Nasarawa and Adamawa states as part of its long-term growth ambitions.

Kabiru Adamu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, the organisers of the annual show, praised Dangote Group for its consistent support.

“Dangote Group has been our greatest ally from inception, and we have enjoyed tremendous and invaluable support from them such that without them we will not be able to continue to hold the show efficiently,” he said.

Adamu, who also serves as President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), urged the group to channel even more investment into agriculture following its success in the oil and gas sector.