The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening trade, investment and tourism relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, saying ongoing economic reforms are positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for regional and global investors.

 

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Tuesday at the Nigeria-Saudi Diaspora Investment and Tourism Exhibition Summit 2026 in Abuja.

 

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was implementing bold reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a competitive, investor-friendly economy anchored on 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.

 

The minister described the summit as a strategic platform for governments, investors and private sector players from both countries to forge practical partnerships capable of expanding trade, stimulating investment, creating jobs and deepening bilateral economic cooperation.

 

According to him, the Federal Government’s reform agenda spans critical sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, economic diversification, education financing, digital innovation, skills development and security.

 

He said the initiatives were laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth while enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global investment landscape.

 

Idris also stressed the importance of projecting a positive and accurate image of Nigeria to the international community, noting that investor confidence depends largely on transparency, policy consistency and trust.

 

“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.

 

The minister acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians living abroad, describing them as critical partners in national development whose expertise, entrepreneurial achievements and international networks continue to strengthen bilateral relations and attract investment into the country.

 

He urged participants at the summit to move beyond discussions by pursuing concrete investments, technology transfer, tourism development, innovation partnerships and joint ventures that would deliver tangible economic benefits to both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

 

“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 added.

 

Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission(NiDCOM), 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, saying Nigerians in the diaspora contribute far beyond remittances.

 

According to her, the diaspora community brings global expertise, market intelligence, credibility and valuable business networks capable of unlocking investments and creating employment opportunities.

 

“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 attracted senior government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners and members of the Nigerian diaspora to explore opportunities for expanding investment, tourism and broader economic cooperation between the two countries.

 

Among the dignitaries at the event were Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Assistant on Export Expansion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Patience Fakai.