- Governor Umar Bago urges Dangote Group to invest in the Bida Basin oil project, citing their energy expertise and capacity for large-scale development.
- Dangote Group affirms its readiness to partner with the state, highlighting ongoing agricultural investments and support for the proposed Free Trade Zone.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has called on the Dangote Group to partner with the state in the exploration and development of oil blocs in the Bida Basin. He appealed during the Dangote Special Day event at the Niger National Trade Fair in Minna on Saturday.
Speaking through Hamza Sarki, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Governor Bago emphasised the critical role of private sector participation in unlocking Niger State’s hydrocarbon potential. He highlighted Dangote Group’s proven expertise in the energy sector and described the company as a natural partner in the state’s oil exploration ambitions.
“The state is open for business,” Bago declared, inviting private investors to contribute to the development of the Bida Basin, which spans parts of Niger and Kwara States. He praised Dangote Group’s track record, citing the successful completion of the world’s largest single-train refinery in Nigeria as a clear example of the company’s technical competence and operational excellence.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dangote Group is the main sponsor of the 2025 Niger State National Trade Fair.
Governor Bago described the discovery of the Bida Basin oil as a gateway to economic prosperity for the state. He called it a “win-win opportunity” for strategic partnerships within the oil and gas sector. A 2023 geological survey identified 17 commercially viable oil blocks in the region, with hydrocarbon reserves expected to support production for up to 70 years.
Mr. Hashem Ahmed, a representative of Dangote Group, confirmed the company’s readiness to partner with Niger State in harnessing its full potential. “We are investing heavily in Niger,” he said. “The Dangote Rice Mill in Wushishi, when completed, will boost local rice production and significantly reduce post-harvest losses.”
He also highlighted the Niger Food Initiative, a collaborative effort with the state government aimed at transforming agriculture. “We have committed to serving as a guaranteed off-taker for 1 million metric tons of paddy rice, providing a stable market and encouraging further private investment,” Ahmed stated.
In addition, he commended the Bago administration for its proactive economic policies, particularly the proposed establishment of a Free Trade Zone. According to Ahmed, the initiative demonstrates the government’s apparent intent to attract investment, boost trade, and position Niger as a leading hub for industrial and agricultural growth.
“For Dangote Group and the broader Organised Private Sector, these initiatives are encouraging and strategic,” he added. “The Free Trade Zone offers a competitive edge by streamlining operations, eliminating bottlenecks, and fostering a business-friendly environment.”