By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has declared that Nigeria is open for business and ready to strengthen investment, trade and tourism partnerships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, saying the Federal Government’s economic reforms are creating new opportunities for investors.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria–Saudi Diaspora Investment and Tourism Exhibition Summit 2026 in Abuja, Idris said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is driving reforms aimed at building a competitive, investor-friendly economy anchored on enterprise, innovation and private sector growth.
He said the government’s policies are transforming Nigeria’s investment landscape through strategic interventions in infrastructure, economic diversification, agriculture, education financing, digital innovation, skills development and security.
“Nigeria is open for business and ready for deeper partnership with Saudi Arabia. Our economic reforms are creating new opportunities for investment, trade and tourism, and we invite investors to take advantage of the enormous potential our country offers,” the minister said.
Idris described the summit as a strategic platform for governments, investors and the private sector to forge practical partnerships that would boost trade, attract investment, create jobs and strengthen economic relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
According to him, the ongoing reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth while positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for regional and global investment.
The minister stressed the need to project a positive and accurate image of Nigeria, noting that transparency, policy consistency and trust are essential for attracting investment.
He also highlighted the role of Nigerians in the diaspora in promoting the country’s economic potential, describing them as critical ambassadors whose expertise, professional networks and entrepreneurial success continue to attract investment and strengthen bilateral relations.
Idris urged participants at the summit to move beyond discussions by pursuing concrete initiatives in investment, technology transfer, tourism development, innovation and joint ventures.
“Let us move beyond dialogue to action. Let us build partnerships that create jobs, grow businesses, promote innovation and improve the lives of our people,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called for stronger economic collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia through diaspora-led investments.
She encouraged investors to explore opportunities in sectors including real estate, agriculture, tourism and logistics, stressing that Nigerians in the diaspora contribute much more than remittances through their expertise, global networks and market knowledge.
“Our diaspora contributes far more than remittances. They bring global expertise, market intelligence, credibility and valuable networks that can unlock investment and create jobs. Let us move beyond conversations to practical partnerships that will strengthen commercial ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
The summit brought together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners and members of the Nigerian diaspora to explore opportunities for expanding investment, tourism and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Among those represented at the event were Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
