NIGER STATE SEEKS DANGOTE, PRIVATE INVESTORS’ PARTNERSHIP IN BIDA BASIN OIL EXPLORATION PROJECT

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The Niger State Government has urged the Dangote Group and other private investors to take advantage of investment opportunities in crude oil exploration within the Bida Basin area of the state.

Speaking during a fireside session organised 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 collaborating with private sector operators through its One-Stop-Shop investment initiative to harness its crude oil potential.

According to a statement issued by the Dangote Group on Sunday, Takuma said the state government plans to maintain only a minimal equity stake in the project under a Joint Venture-Public Private Partnership arrangement.

Takuma commended the Dangote Group for its industrialisation efforts and the construction of what he described as the world’s largest single-train refinery.

He added that Niger State remains open to investment and committed to policies aimed at attracting investors across key 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 investment in rice processing in Wushishi.

She praised Governor 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 strengthening its partnership with the Niger State Government.

Also present at the discussion panel were the Commissioners for Homeland Security and 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 was the major sponsor of the trade fair.