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.
Aminu Takuma, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Private Sector Development, on Friday in Minna.
He disclosed this during a fireside session held on the Dangote Special Day at the just concluded Niger National Trade Fair.
Takuma disclosed that the state government was partnering with private sector operators under its One-Stop-Shop investment model to unlock the state’s crude oil potential.
According to him, the state 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 industrialisation drive and the construction of the world’s largest single-train refinery.
He added that Niger remains open to business and committed to implementing policies that would continue to attract investors across critical 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, citing the company’s significant investment in rice processing in Wushishi.
She praised Gov. 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.
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.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
