Saudi Arabia @ 96: Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Ties
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom celebrates its 96th National Day.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception organised to commemorate the anniversary, describing the relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as one anchored on history, faith, people-to-people connections and shared interests.
Idris said the long-standing ties between the two countries were evolving beyond traditional relations to encompass broader economic and strategic cooperation.
He identified agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade as key areas where Nigeria and Saudi Arabia could expand collaboration for mutual benefit.
“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.
The Minister noted that Nigerians had maintained strong links with Saudi Arabia over generations through pilgrimage, education, business and other engagements.
He said Nigeria could draw lessons from Saudi Arabia’s development experience as the Federal Government continues to implement economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the administration is implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, improving the investment environment, expanding infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for Nigerians.
Idris highlighted ongoing investments in roads and rail, efforts to improve electricity supply and reforms in the oil and gas sector, alongside increased attention to agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology and the creative economy.
He also said Nigeria was working to attract more long-term investments through clearer and more predictable frameworks for investors.
The Minister specifically welcomed Saudi investors and businesses interested in Nigeria, noting that there was considerable scope for cooperation in agriculture and food production, energy, infrastructure, mining and technology.
“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.
Idris commended the Embassy of Saudi Arabia for its efforts towards strengthening 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 Kingdom’s 96th National Day and wished the country continued peace and prosperity.
The anniversary reception was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, H.E. Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former First Lady, Aisha Buhari; members of the diplomatic community, captains of industry and other dignitaries.
Cover Photo Caption, L–R: Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, H.E. Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi; and Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr, during the celebration of the 96th Saudi National Day on September 23, 2026, in Abuja.
(FMINO Press)
