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

Speaking during a fireside session held 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 working with private sector operators under its One-Stop-Shop investment model to unlock its crude oil potential.

According to him, in a statement from Dangote Group on Sunday, the state government intends to retain only a minimal stake in the venture through 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.