Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Push for Trust, Transparency, Diversified Investments at Abuja Summit
L-R Hon.(Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON Chairman/CEO, Nidcom, 2nd to (L) Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, 3rd to (L) Representative to His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other dignitaries fully represented at the Nigeria- Saudi Diaspora Investment And Tourism Exhibition Summit held today at Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Center, Abuja.
By Pan Afric Reporters
Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have intensified calls for stronger economic cooperation anchored on trust, transparency and economic diversification, as government officials, diplomats and private sector leaders urged investors to explore opportunities beyond traditional sectors during the second Nigeria-Saudi Diaspora Investment and Tourism Exhibition in Abuja.
The appeal came at the summit themed “The Misconceptions, Challenges and Opportunities of Investing in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria Today,” where stakeholders identified agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, technology and the halal economy as critical areas for expanding bilateral trade and investment.
The details were contained in a press statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa according to the press release described the exhibition as a strategic platform for strengthening economic ties between both countries through collaboration, knowledge sharing and mutual confidence.
She stressed that Nigeria remains open to business and possesses enormous untapped investment opportunities across multiple sectors.
“Nigeria is fully open for commercial enterprise, with vast opportunities in hospitality, agriculture, tourism, logistics, trade and healthcare. This forum is about building trust, sharing skills, knowledge and innovative ideas that will strengthen economic cooperation between our two countries,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
The NiDCOM boss also commended the organisers, Al-Yaro International Limited, for creating a platform that promotes networking and mutually beneficial investment opportunities between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, cautioned that persistent misconceptions could undermine stronger bilateral relations, urging both countries to adopt sound policies, transparency and effective collaboration to unlock their full economic potential.
According to him, Nigeria’s youthful workforce in technology, agriculture, healthcare and the creative industry complements Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, which focuses on mining, agriculture, tourism, logistics and information technology.
Also speaking, the Head of the Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Chamber of Commerce, Engr. Ibrahim Usman, said economic relations between the two countries should move beyond Hajj and pilgrimage to embrace broader commercial partnerships.
He disclosed that efforts were ongoing to eliminate commercial fraud, simplify business transactions and promote the halal economy, particularly through the export of organic agricultural products that meet international standards.
Former Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, urged investors to diversify into renewable energy, real estate, tourism and sustainable agriculture rather than focusing primarily on crude oil.
He maintained that improving the ease of doing business would naturally strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia while ensuring sustainable growth for both nations.
Summit organiser and Managing Director of Al-Yaro International Limited, Musa Yaro, expressed optimism that the exhibition would generate high-value partnerships capable of boosting trade and investment.
He disclosed that the second edition of the summit attracted more than 100 exhibitors and over 500 delegates, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NiDCOM for supporting the initiative.
Yaro reaffirmed the company’s commitment to projecting Nigeria as a prime investment destination and fostering stronger commercial relations between the two countries.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to several organisations, including ARISE, Faiz Takaful, Vego Energy Solutions, TMDK Group, Zee Coffee, and NiDCOM, in recognition of their contributions to investment promotion and economic development.
