Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are set to deepen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said.
Idris stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception to mark the 96th National Day of Saudi Arabia.
The Minister said the relationship between the two countries had moved beyond traditional ties, taking on broader economic and strategic dimensions that could deliver practical benefits to both nations.
“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.
Idris said Nigeria and Saudi Arabia shared longstanding ties rooted in history, faith, people-to-people connections and common interests.
He noted that Nigerians had travelled to Saudi Arabia for generations for pilgrimage, education, business and other purposes, describing the people-to-people relationship as an important foundation for stronger bilateral ties.
The Minister 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,” Idris said.
He said the Federal Government was investing in road and rail infrastructure, improving electricity supply and implementing reforms in the oil and gas sector.
According to him, the government is also paying greater attention to agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology and the creative economy as part of efforts to expand economic opportunities.
Idris said Nigeria was working to attract more long-term investment by creating clearer and more predictable frameworks for investors.
He added that recent reforms in the deep offshore sector were aimed at unlocking new investments while strengthening Nigerian participation in the sector.
“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 both countries, expressing 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 Kingdom’s 96th National Day and wished the country continued peace and prosperity.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former First Lady, Aisha Buhari; members of the diplomatic community, captains of industry and other dignitaries.