The Niger State Government has urged the Dangote Group and other private sector companies to investigate potential for crude oil exploration in the Bida Basin of Niger State.

During a fireside session on the Dangote Special Day at the recently concluded Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, Aminu Takuma, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry, and Private Sector Development, stated that the state is collaborating with private sector operators through its One-Stop-Shop investment model to unlock its crude oil potential.

According to him, in a Dangote Group statement issued on Sunday, the state government aims to maintain only a little part in the company through a Joint company-Public Private Partnership agreement.

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

He noted that Niger State is open to business and dedicated to initiatives that would attract investors in vital sectors of the economy.

Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Regional Director and Senior Adviser to Aliko Dangote, described the Dangote Group as Niger State’s natural partner, citing the company’s rice processing investment in Wushishi.

The Commissioners of Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Food Security also attended the discussion panel.

Dr. Umar Bakai, the representative of the Emir of Minna, also attended the company’s Special Day event.

The Dangote Group was the trade fair’s major sponsor.