NAN, NTA, NBC to Partner Saudi Counterparts Under New Agreements
Nigeria is set to deepen media and diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia as three major federal media institutions move to formalise partnerships with their Saudi counterparts under newly endorsed agreements
The institution are the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The development follows a high-level meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yosef bin Mohammed Al Balawi.
Under the proposed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), NAN will collaborate with the Saudi Press Agency on news exchange; NTA will partner the Saudi Broadcasting Authority on radio and television broadcasting; while NBC will engage relevant Saudi regulatory authorities in audio-visual media cooperation.
Addressing the delegation, Idris described the agreements as a strategic move to strengthen institutional collaboration between both countries.
“Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we are committed to translating our shared history into stronger institutional partnerships, particularly in media cooperation, economic collaboration, and security engagement for the mutual benefit of our people,” the Minister said.
He stressed that the media-focused MOUs go beyond routine cooperation.
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“The Memoranda of Understanding between our media institutions are not just agreements on paper; they represent a strategic step toward strengthening media diplomacy, promoting balanced information exchange, and deepening bilateral relations between our two nations,” he added.
Beyond media collaboration, discussions also covered economic cooperation, security engagement, and multilateral collaboration within platforms such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and UNESCO.
The Minister commended Saudi Arabia for its continued support in facilitating Hajj and Umrah operations for Nigerian pilgrims and welcomed talks on the possible resumption of direct flights between Jeddah and Abuja, describing it as a move that would boost tourism, religious travel, and economic exchanges.
In his remarks, Ambassador Al Balawi expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria across key sectors.
“Saudi Arabia is eager to work closely with Nigeria to strengthen cooperation in media, economy, security, and religious affairs, while also ensuring that accurate and constructive information about our country is shared through strong institutional partnerships,” the Ambassador said.
He also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving Nigerian pilgrims and improving connectivity between both nations.
The agreements signal a renewed push to institutionalise media diplomacy as part of broader bilateral engagement between Abuja and Riyadh.
By PRNigeria
