Crude oil: Niger courts Dangote group for exploration of Bida basin

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

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

According to him, the state government intends to retain only minimal stake in the venture through a joint venture-public-private partnership (JV-PPP) agreement.

Takuma praised the Dangote Group for its push for industrialization and for building 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 in all critical sectors of the economy.

Aliko Dangote Regional Director and Senior Advisor, 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.

He commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for introducing investor-friendly policies aimed at boosting economic growth and industrial development in the state.