The Niger State Government has called on the Dangote Group and other private sector investors to explore opportunities in crude oil exploration at the Bida Basin in Niger State.

Speaking during a fireside session held on the Dangote Special Day at the recently concluded Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Private Sector Development, Hon. Aminu Suleiman Takuma, disclosed that the state government is partnering with private sector operators under its One-Stop-Shop investment model to unlock the state’s crude oil potential.

According to him, the state government intends to maintain only a minimal stake in the venture through a Joint Venture-Public Private Partnership (JV-PPP) arrangement.

Takuma commended the Dangote Group for its industrialisation drive and the construction of what he described as the world’s largest single-train refinery. He added that Niger State remains open to business and is committed to implementing policies that will continue 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, citing the company’s significant investment in rice processing in Wushishi.

She praised Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for introducing investor-friendly policies aimed at driving economic growth and industrial development in the state.

According to her, the Dangote Group remains committed to sustaining and deepening its partnership with the Niger State Government.

Also present at the discussion panel were the Commissioners for Homeland Security, as well as Agriculture and Food Security.

The representative of the Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Bakar, also attended the company’s Special Day event.

The Dangote Group served as the major sponsor of the trade fair.