The Niger State Government has urged the Dangote Group and other private investors to tap into crude oil exploration opportunities in the Bida Basin.
Speaking at a fireside session during the Dangote Special Day at the just-concluded Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Private Sector Development, Hon. Aminu Suleiman Takuma, said the state is leveraging its One-Stop-Shop investment model to partner with private operators and unlock its crude oil potential.
He explained that under a Joint Venture Public Private Partnership arrangement, the state government plans to hold only a minimal stake in the venture.
Takuma lauded the Dangote Group for its industrialisation drive, particularly the construction of the world’s largest single-train refinery. He restated that Niger State is open for business and will sustain policies that attract investors to critical sectors of the economy.
Responding, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Regional Director and Senior Adviser to Aliko Dangote, described the Dangote Group as a natural partner of Niger State, citing its substantial investment in rice processing in Wushishi.
She commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for rolling out investor-friendly policies to spur economic growth and industrial development. She added that the Dangote Group remains committed to deepening its partnership with the state government adding that Dangote Group was the major sponsor of the trade fair.
Also present at the panel discussion were the Commissioners for Homeland Security and Agriculture and Food Security. The Emir of Minna was represented by Dr. Umar Bakai at the company’s Special Day event.
