The government of Niger State has called on Dangote Group and other private investors to explore opportunities in crude oil exploration in the Bida Basin as the state seeks to expand investment in its energy sector.
Speaking during a fireside session held on Dangote Special Day at the recently concluded Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Private Sector Development, Aminu Takuma, said the state government was working with private sector operators to unlock its oil potential through its One-Stop-Shop investment framework.
According to Takuma, the state plans to pursue the initiative under a Joint Venture–Public Private Partnership model in which the government would retain only a minimal stake.
He said the arrangement was aimed at attracting private capital and technical expertise into oil exploration activities within the Bida Basin.
Takuma also praised the Dangote Group for its industrialisation drive and the construction of what he described as the world’s largest single-train refinery, referring to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
He added that Niger State remained open to investment and committed to implementing policies designed to attract investors across critical sectors of the economy.
Regional Director and Senior Adviser to Aliko Dangote, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, described the Dangote Group as a natural partner of Niger State.
She cited the group’s investment in rice processing operations in Wushishi as evidence of its long-standing relationship with the state.
Abdurrahman commended Governor Umaru Bago for introducing investor-friendly policies aimed at promoting industrial development and economic growth.
She said the Dangote Group remained committed to strengthening its partnership with the Niger State Government.
The discussion session was also attended by the state commissioners for Homeland Security and Agriculture and Food Security, alongside representatives of the traditional institution including Umar Bakai.
The Dangote Group was the major sponsor of the Niger National Trade Fair held in Minna.
