The Dangote Group and the Kano State Government are strengthening their long-standing partnership to support business growth, industrial development, and social programmes across the state. This renewed collaboration became more visible as hundreds of visitors trooped into the Dangote pavilion at the 46th Kano International Trade Fair, where the company showcased a wide range of innovative products and services.
Speaking at the trade fair, the Kano State Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Mr Shehu Sagagi, said the state government was working closely with the Dangote Group to expand existing agreements and explore new areas of cooperation. He said the partnership was important for boosting Kano’s economic competitiveness and supporting the state’s industrial ambition.
According to him, the administration of Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf has created an enabling environment that encourages local and foreign investment. Sagagi explained that combining government policies with private sector initiatives would help more businesses grow and provide jobs for residents. He also commended Dangote Group for being one of the major sponsors of the 2025 Kano International Trade Fair and for supporting economic activities in northern Nigeria.
In its statement, the Dangote Group confirmed that one of the key projects under its partnership with Kano State is the development of a world-class rice milling plant. The project aims to increase local rice production, improve value addition and introduce modern processing standards that meet both national and international requirements. The company said the investment would support farmers, strengthen food security and open more opportunities in the agricultural value chain.
Beyond industrial projects, Dangote Group also highlighted its strong involvement in social development programmes across Kano through the Aliko Dangote Foundation. The statement said the foundation remains committed to improving livelihoods, health, education and nutrition across the state. It explained that thousands of families had benefited from different intervention programmes designed to support vulnerable groups.
The company said that in 2024 and 2025 alone, the foundation distributed about 120,000 bags of rice and more than 10,000 iftar meals during Ramadan to support households facing hardship. The foundation also partnered with the Kano State Government to tackle child malnutrition by providing Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food for children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition. It further supported awareness campaigns aimed at improving community health and nutrition.
On empowerment programmes, the company said it continues to support women and vulnerable groups through micro-grant schemes that help them start or expand small businesses. According to the foundation, these initiatives play an important role in reducing poverty and improving economic opportunities for low-income households.
Also speaking at the trade fair, the President of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Hassan Darma, said the chamber expects about 100 organisations and more than 1,000 exhibitors from within Nigeria and other countries. He said this year’s fair is unique because the site has been expanded and upgraded to provide better facilities for participants. Darma said the chamber values its long-standing relationship with the Dangote Group, noting that the company remains the major sponsor of the trade fair.
He added that the chamber hopes to deepen partnerships with the Dangote Group in areas such as SME development, backward integration and industrial skills transfer, which he described as important for creating a more competitive business environment in Kano.
Meanwhile, Dangote Fertiliser Limited received the top award for Agricultural Input at the 17th National Agricultural Show held in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, Mr Kabiru Ibrahim, praised the company for its contributions to agricultural input development in Nigeria. He said Dangote Fertiliser had played an important role in supporting farmers and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural productivity.
As the Kano International Trade Fair continues, business leaders, exhibitors and government officials say the partnership between Dangote Group and the Kano State Government will continue to influence economic growth and social development in the state. Many participants believe the collaboration will attract more investments, support local industries and create opportunities for thousands of people across Kano.
