Nig, Saudi Arabia To Strengthen Relations For Economic Opportunities

Federal Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations to explore the huge potential in Nigeria particularly in the areas of agriculture, trade and other economic opportunities.

The two countries made the commitment at a meeting between a delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by its Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Alfadley and the Nigerian delegation led by the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Water Resources and Sanitation Professor, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Chairman Nigeria Governor’s Forum Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq in Abuja.

At the meeting, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari explained that Nigeria is endowed with agricultural potential and investment opportunities that if properly harnessed would boost food production that can feed the entire nation, boost exports, and enhance the economy of the country.

According to him, this meeting was a follow up to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier agreement with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia to rekindle the commitment to achieve food production and explore investment opportunities.

In his speech, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev who highlighted the importance of water for irrigated agriculture, maintained that Nigeria was happy with the partnership and willing to provide all that was needed to enhance food production in order to achieve the food security drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Professor Utsev expressed optimism that the partnership would also benefit Nigeria in the area of sanitation and hygiene.

On his part, the Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdullahman Abdullazaq who pointed out that all lands belong to States said, Nigerian Governors were willing to channel the lands in their care for agricultural purposes, consumption and export.

In his presentation, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said the partnership will benefit the two countries especially in the areas of economy and job creation.

Earlier, head of the Saudi Arabia delegation, Abdulrahman Alfadley said they were in Nigeria to cement the relationship between the two countries especially in the areas of comparative advantage including agriculture, investment, economy and job creation.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji