Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has called on the Dangote Group to partner with the state in developing oil blocks recently discovered in the Bida Basin.

Speaking at the Dangote Special Day during the Niger State National Trade Fair in Minna on Saturday, Governor Bago—represented by Hamza Sarki, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment—said the state is “open for business” and eager for private sector involvement in its hydrocarbon sector.“We are inviting credible players like Dangote Group to join us in unlocking the economic potential of the Bida Basin.

This partnership could be a game-changer for Niger State,” Bago said.The governor lauded Dangote’s track record, especially the recent completion of the world’s largest single-train refinery in Nigeria, calling it “proof of the group’s technical strength and reliability.”

According to a 2023 geological report, 17 commercially viable oil blocks have been identified in the basin, with reserves expected to support production for up to 70 years. The basin spans Niger and Kwara States and has been tipped as one of Nigeria’s next big hydrocarbon zones.

Dangote Group’s representative, Hashem Ahmed, confirmed the company’s readiness to invest in the region. “We are committed to Niger State’s growth and are prepared to explore synergies in oil development,” Ahmed said.He also highlighted ongoing projects, including the Dangote Rice Mill in Wushishi and the Niger Food Initiative.

“We will serve as a guaranteed off-taker for 1 million metric tons of paddy rice annually. This ensures market stability and attracts more private investors,” he added.Ahmed praised the Bago administration’s efforts to create an investor-friendly environment, pointing to the proposed Free Trade Zone as a major incentive.

“The Free Trade Zone will reduce bottlenecks and offer a competitive edge for large-scale industrial operations,” he said.The Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the 2025 Niger State National Trade Fair.