The Niger State Government has urged the Dangote Group and other private investors to tap into opportunities in crude oil exploration within the Bida Basin.

Speaking during a fireside session 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, Aminu Takuma, said the state is partnering with private sector operators through its One-Stop-Shop investment model to unlock the basin’s crude oil potential and attract investment into the sector.

According to him, the state government plans to hold only a minority stake in the project under a Joint Venture–Public Private Partnership framework, as part of efforts to attract private sector investment and expertise.

Takuma also praised the Dangote Group for its contribution to Nigeria’s industrialisation, particularly the development of what he described as the world’s largest single-train refinery.

He added that Niger State is open to investment and remains committed to implementing investor-friendly policies designed to attract local and foreign capital across critical sectors of the economy.

Regional Director and Senior Adviser to Aliko Dangote, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, described the Dangote Group as a strategic partner of Niger State, highlighting the company’s investment in rice processing in Wushishi as evidence of its commitment to the state’s economic development.
She commended Governor Umaru Bago for implementing investor-friendly policies that have helped create a conducive environment for business, economic growth, and industrialisation.

Abdurrahman reaffirmed the Dangote Group’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with the Niger State Government and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development in the state.

Also present at the panel discussion were the Commissioners for Homeland Security and for Agriculture and Food Security, underscoring the state government’s broad support for investment and economic development initiatives.

The representative of the Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Bakai, was also in attendance at the Dangote Special Day event.

The Dangote Group served as the major sponsor of the trade fair, reflecting its continued commitment to supporting business development, trade promotion, and economic growth in Niger State.