By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are expanding their longstanding relationship beyond traditional ties to strengthen 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.
He said the relationship between the two countries, built on history, faith, people-to-people connections and shared interests, 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,” the minister said.
According to him, increased cooperation in these areas would create practical benefits for both countries and strengthen their economic ties.
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 reforms were aimed at strengthening the economy, improving the investment environment, expanding infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for Nigerians.
The minister listed investments in roads and rail, efforts to improve electricity supply and reforms in the oil and gas sector among measures being undertaken by the government.
He added that greater attention was also being given to agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology and the creative economy.
Idris said the government was working to attract more long-term investment by establishing clearer and more predictable frameworks for investors.
He noted that recent reforms in the deep offshore sector were designed to unlock new investment while strengthening Nigerian participation in the industry.
“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 also highlighted the longstanding people-to-people connections between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, noting that Nigerians had travelled to the Kingdom for pilgrimage, education, business and other purposes for generations.
He commended the Saudi Arabian Embassy for its efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and expressed confidence that ties between both countries would continue to grow through increased trade, investment, exchanges and partnerships.
Idris congratulated the government and people of Saudi Arabia on the country’s 96th National Day and wished the Kingdom continued peace and prosperity.
Those in attendance included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousuf bin Mohammed Al-Balawi; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former First Lady, Aisha Buhari; members of the diplomatic community, captains of industry and other dignitaries.
