S/Arabia @96: Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Ties
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, with a renewed focus on expanding cooperation in agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception to mark the 96th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Idris said the relationship between both countries, traditionally anchored on history, faith and people-to-people connections, was taking on a broader economic and strategic dimension.
“Today, our relationship is also taking on a broader economic and strategic dimension. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas such as agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade,” he said.
According to the minister, expanding cooperation in these sectors would create practical benefits for both countries while strengthening their economic ties.
A statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation said the minister noted that Nigerians had maintained longstanding connections with Saudi Arabia, with generations travelling to the Kingdom for pilgrimage, education, business and other purposes.
Idris said Nigeria could draw lessons from Saudi Arabia’s development experience as the Federal Government implements economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the administration was implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, improving the investment environment, expanding infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for Nigerians.
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The minister listed investments in roads and rail, efforts to improve electricity supply and reforms in the oil and gas sector among the government’s measures to strengthen the economy.
He added that greater attention was also being given to agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology and the creative economy.
On investment, Idris said the government was working to attract more long-term capital by creating clearer and more predictable frameworks for investors.
He specifically referenced recent reforms in the deep offshore sector, saying the measures were designed to unlock new investment while strengthening Nigerian participation.
The minister called on Saudi investors and businesses to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s productive sectors.
“We welcome Saudi investors and businesses that are interested in Nigeria. There is considerable room for cooperation in agriculture and food production, energy, infrastructure, mining, technology and other productive sectors,” he said.
Idris also commended the Embassy of Saudi Arabia for its efforts towards strengthening relations between the two countries.
He expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to expand through increased trade, investment, exchanges and partnerships.
The minister congratulated the government and people of Saudi Arabia on the country’s 96th National Day and wished the Kingdom continued peace and prosperity.
The reception was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and former First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari.
Members of the diplomatic community, captains of industry and other dignitaries also attended the event.
The statement was signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientatio
