As Saudi Arabia marks its 96th National Day, Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepen her relationship with the Kingdom beyond the traditional ties, with greater cooperation in agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this at a reception to mark the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Abuja.

“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. These are areas that can create practical benefits for both countries and strengthen our economic ties”, he said.

Idris noted the longstanding relationship between both countries was built on history, faith, people-to-people connections and shared interests, adding that Nigerians have travelled to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, education, business and other purposes for generations.

He 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.

“The administration has been implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, improving the investment environment, expanding infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for Nigerians”, the Minister said.

He noted that the Federal Government was investing in roads and rail, improving electricity supply and implementing reforms in the oil and gas sector, while also giving greater attention to agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology and the creative economy.

The Minister said Nigeria was also working to attract more long-term investment by creating clearer and more predictable frameworks for investors, adding that recent reforms in the deep offshore sector were designed to unlock new investment while strengthening Nigerian participation.

“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 commended the Embassy of Saudi Arabia for its efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to grow through increased trade, investment, exchanges and partnerships.

Idris congratulated the Government and people of Saudi Arabia on the 96th National Day and wished the Kingdom continued peace and prosperity.

In a statement, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim, said in attendance at the ceremony were the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; the Ambassador of the Kingdom 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, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the former First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Aisha Buhari, the Diplomatic Community, Captains of Industry and other dignitaries.