Nigeria Tribune | 5 October 2025
Niger govt, Dangote partner on $150m agricultural project in Wushishi
by Rachael Omidiji
The Niger State Government, through its partner, Niger Foods Security System and Logistics Company Limited, has intensified community engagement in Wushishi Local Government Area of the state to sensitise residents on the benefits of a landmark agricultural project set to commence in the area.
Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, said the initiative, being executed in partnership with the Dangote Group, is valued at $150 million and described it as one of the most transformative agricultural investments in the state’s history.
He noted that the project will revolutionise food production, generate employment opportunities, and improve rural infrastructure.
Mr. Adigun explained that the project is designed to process up to 1,000 tons of harvest daily, emphasising that such a scale of operation is unprecedented in Niger State.
“This has never happened before. It is a groundbreaking achievement that will not only boost food security but also create thousands of jobs across the agricultural value chain,” he stated.
He added that beyond agriculture, the scheme would deliver broader social and economic benefits. According to him, the investment will support the construction of hospitals, schools, and roads in host communities to ensure residents directly benefit from the project’s impact.
The agricultural initiative is structured as a five-year development programme, with full-scale operations expected to begin by 2027. Mr. Adigun assured that the project will mark a new era of prosperity for Wushishi and serve as a model for agricultural transformation across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Sarkin Wushishi, Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim, commended the Niger State Government for its commitment to agricultural development, describing the partnership with Dangote as a milestone for the people of Wushishi and the state at large.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Niger Foods, the Sarkin Wushishi, Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim, and the Hakimi Karkara, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim.
It could be recalled that on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, community leaders in Wushishi formally endorsed the agreement with Niger Foods, signalling their support for the forthcoming agricultural project in the area.
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Nigeria Tribune | 30 September 2025
by Adelowo Oladipo
The Niger State Government, through the Niger Food Security System and Logistics Company Limited, has signed a land lease agreement with communities in Wushishi Local Government Area, aimed at boosting rice production and strengthening food security.
The land lease agreement, signed on Tuesday at the Niger Foods office in Minna, brings together over 100 communities represented by their District Heads, Hakimis, and Village Heads, signalling strong grassroots support for the initiative.
Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr Sammy Adigun, who addressed journalists immediately after the signing, described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a transformative step for both the state and Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He explained that the project targets an annual production of about 360,000 tons of rice, representing between 7 to 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total rice demand.
“This development is not just about food production; it is a complete value chain that will create job opportunities, especially for young people. It will also drive community development through the provision of infrastructure such as roads, power supply, and schools,” Adigun said.
He stressed that the initiative aligns with the national goal of achieving food sovereignty and enhancing agricultural capacity, while also empowering communities through employment across the value chain, from farming to factory operations.
Chairman of Wushishi Local Government, Hon. Mohammed Yelwa, commended the state government and Niger Foods for bringing the project to his constituency, pledging his support and commitment to ensuring its success.
In separate remarks, the District Heads of Akera and Zungeru assured of their communities’ readiness to cooperate fully to ensure the project’s success, describing it as a dream that would benefit not just Nigerlites but Nigeria as a whole.
The project is expected to significantly boost rice production, strengthen food security, and deliver socio-economic benefits across Niger State and beyond.