The Niger State Government has extended an invitation to the Dangote Group and other private sector investors to participate in crude oil exploration at the Bida Basin. This call was made during a fireside session held on the Dangote Special Day at the recently concluded Niger National Trade Fair in Minna.
Government's Investment Model
Hon. Aminu Suleiman Takuma, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Private Sector Development, revealed that the state government is collaborating with private sector operators under its One-Stop-Shop investment model to unlock the state's crude oil potential. According to him, the 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 industrialization drive and the construction of what he described as the world's largest single-train refinery. He added that Niger State remains open for business and committed to implementing policies that will continue to attract investors across critical sectors of the economy.
Dangote Group's Response
Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Regional Director and Senior Adviser to Aliko Dangote, 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.
Other Attendees
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 Bakai, also attended the company's Special Day event. The Dangote Group served as the major sponsor of the trade fair.
