Gov. Bago Woos Dangote Group To Unlock Crude Oil Potentials In Bida Basin
General Manager Government Relations Dangote Group, Hashem Ahmed(L), with the President, Niger State Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, at the Dangote Special Day in Minna, Niger State at the weekend.
Niger State Governor Umar Bago says the state is open for business with Dangote Group to explore and develop the recently discovered oil blocks in the state’s Bida Basin.
He noted Dangote Group’s proven expertise in the energy sector, saying the company is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the exploration and development of the hydrocarbon deposits in the basin.
Bago said this in a message delivered during Dangote Special Day at the Niger National Trade Fair in Minna.
He said that private sector investment and expertise would drive exploration activities in the basin in the state’s hydrocarbon exploration.
The governor, represented by Hamza Bello Sarki, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, acknowledged Dangote Group’s proven capacity in executing large-scale industrial projects.
He cited the successful delivery of the world’s largest single-train refinery in Nigeria as evidence of its technical expertise and operational excellence.
Bago described the oil discovery in the Bida basin as the State’s ticket to economic prosperity, and win-win for partners.
A 2023 geological survey report identified 17 commercially viable oil blocks in Niger State, with estimated hydrocarbon reserves projected to sustain production for approximately 70 years.
The Bida Basin, which stretched across parts of Niger and Kwara States, has been identified as a promising sedimentary basin with hydrocarbon potential.
The representative of Dangote Group at the fair, Mr. Hashem Ahmed, said the company has been investing massively in Niger State, and was ready to partner the state to develop its potentials.
“The Dangote Rice Mill in Wushishi when completed will enhance local rice production and drastically reduce post-harvest losses. We are also working closely with the Governor’s Office on the Niger Food Initiative—a game-changing agricultural programme.
“We have committed to serving as a guaranteed off taker for 1 million metric tons of paddy rice, creating a stable market and encouraging further private investment.”
Mr. Ahmed commended the proactive measures taken by Governor Bago to foster business-friendly environment that stimulates private sector engagement to drive the state’s economic growth.
He said government’s strategic policies, such as the planned establishment of a Free Trade Zone, demonstrated a clear commitment to attracting investment, enhancing trade, and positioning Niger State as a hub for industrial and agricultural development.
“For Dangote Group and the broader Organized Private Sector, these initiatives represent a significant and encouraging step forward.
“The Free Trade Zone provides a competitive advantage by streamlining business operations, reducing bottlenecks, and creating a conducive ecosystem for large-scale investments,” he said.
The Syndicate reports that Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the trade fair.
