Nigeria is seeking to broaden its longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia into a stronger economic and strategic partnership, with both countries exploring greater cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, investment, aviation and technology.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in Abuja while representing the Federal Government at a reception organised to commemorate Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day.
Idris said the relationship between the two countries had traditionally been shaped by religious, cultural and people-to-people connections but was now entering a phase with greater emphasis on economic cooperation.
“Today, our relationship is also taking on a broader economic and strategic dimension,” the minister said, identifying agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade as areas with significant potential for both countries.
He said stronger collaboration in these sectors could translate into increased investment, business opportunities and other practical economic benefits for citizens of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
According to Idris, the ties between the two countries have endured for generations, with Nigerians maintaining strong links with Saudi Arabia through pilgrimage, education, commerce and other forms of exchange.
He said Nigeria could also draw useful lessons from Saudi Arabia’s development experience as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to implement its economic reform programme.
The minister said the Federal Government was pursuing measures aimed at strengthening the economy, improving the investment climate and expanding infrastructure while creating opportunities for Nigerians.
He listed ongoing efforts in road and rail development, electricity generation and distribution, as well as reforms in the petroleum sector, alongside increased attention to agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology and the creative industry.
Idris also highlighted the government's efforts to make Nigeria more attractive to long-term investors by establishing clearer and more predictable investment frameworks.
He pointed specifically to reforms in the deep offshore oil sector, saying they were intended to encourage fresh investment while increasing opportunities for Nigerian participation in the industry.
The minister invited Saudi investors and businesses to explore opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in sectors capable of expanding production and creating jobs.
“We welcome Saudi investors and businesses that are interested in Nigeria,” he said, noting opportunities in agriculture and food production, energy, infrastructure, mining and technology.
Idris also praised the Saudi Arabian Embassy for its role in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed confidence that increased trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges and business partnerships would further expand cooperation between the two countries.
He congratulated King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Saudi government and people on the Kingdom’s 96th National Day, while wishing the country continued peace and prosperity.
The event attracted senior Nigerian government officials, diplomats and representatives of the private sector.
Among those present were Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; Saudi 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.
The reception underscored Nigeria’s interest in moving its relationship with Saudi Arabia beyond its traditional religious and cultural foundations towards a broader partnership centred on investment, trade and economic development.
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