Nigeria Ready for New Era of Investment, Trade with Saudi Arabia, says Information Minister… As Abike Urges Increased Diaspora Investment
Oru Leonard Oru
ABUJA, Aug. 4, 2026 — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has declared that Nigeria is open for business and ready to deepen investment, trade and tourism partnerships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda continues to create new opportunities for economic growth and international collaboration.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria–Saudi Diaspora Investment and Tourism Exhibition Summit 2026 in Abuja, the minister said the Federal Government is implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at building a competitive, investor-friendly economy driven by enterprise, innovation and private sector growth.
“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,” Idris said.
He described the summit as a strategic platform for governments, investors and the private sector to forge practical partnerships that will expand trade, stimulate investment, create jobs and strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
According to the minister, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is reshaping Nigeria’s investment landscape through reforms in infrastructure, economic diversification, agriculture, education financing, digital innovation, skills development and improved security.
He noted that the reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth while positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for regional and global investment.
“Our responsibility is to continue projecting an accurate, balanced and confident narrative about Nigeria. Investment flourishes where there is transparency, policy consistency and trust. We are committed to ensuring that the world sees Nigeria for what it truly is a country of immense opportunity, resilience and promise,” he said.
Idris also highlighted the critical role of Nigerians in the diaspora in promoting the country’s economic potential, noting that their expertise, professional networks and entrepreneurial success continue to strengthen bilateral relations and attract investment into Nigeria.
He urged participants to move beyond discussions by translating ideas into concrete investments, technology transfer, tourism development, innovation partnerships and joint ventures that would deliver lasting benefits to both countries.
“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 stated.
In her remarks, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called for stronger economic collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia through diaspora-led investments.
She urged investors to explore opportunities in real estate, agriculture, tourism, logistics and other strategic sectors, stressing that Nigerians abroad remain critical partners in national development.
“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,” she said.
The summit brought together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners and members of the Nigerian diaspora to explore new opportunities for expanding investment, tourism and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Among those in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff; Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Patience Fakai; as well as other government officials, investors and development partners.
Cover Photo Caption, L–R: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Representative of the Governor of Kaduna State and Honourable Commissioner, Kaduna State Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai; Governor of the Madinah Region, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Representative of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Aliyu Bunu Sherif; and Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr, during the Nigeria–Saudi Diaspora Investment and Tourism Exhibition Summit 2026 on August 4, 2026, in Abuja. Photo: Khalid Ahmed/FMINO.
