The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are deepening their relationship beyond traditional ties, with greater cooperation in agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade.
Idris stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception to mark the 96th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“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. These are areas that can create practical benefits for both countries and strengthen our economic ties,” he said.
The Minister said the longstanding relationship between both countries was built on history, faith, people-to-people connections and shared interests, noting that Nigerians have travelled to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, education, business and other purposes for generations.
He 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.
“The administration has been implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, improving the investment environment, expanding infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for Nigerians,” the Minister said.
He noted that the Federal Government was investing in roads and rail, improving electricity supply and implementing reforms in the oil and gas sector, while also giving greater attention to agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology and the creative economy.
Idris said Nigeria was also working to attract more long-term investment by creating clearer and more predictable frameworks for investors, adding that recent reforms in the deep offshore sector were designed to unlock new investment while strengthening Nigerian participation.
“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.
The Minister commended the Embassy of Saudi Arabia for its efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to grow through increased trade, investment, exchanges and partnerships.
He congratulated the Government and people of Saudi Arabia on the 96th National Day and wished the Kingdom continued peace and prosperity.
Dignitaries at the reception included the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, H.E. Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former First Lady Aisha Buhari, members of the diplomatic community and captains of industry, among others.
