Nigeria to Deepen Investment, Trade Relationship with Saudi Arabia-Information Minister

Nigeria to Deepen Investment, Trade Relationship with Saudi Arabia-Information Minister

By Sarah Kitka

The Honourable 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 the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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 bold reforms aimed at building a competitive and 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.

The Minister described the summit as an important platform for governments, investors and the private sector to forge practical partnerships that will expand trade, stimulate investment, create jobs and strengthen economic relations between both countries.

He said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is transforming Nigeria’s investment landscape through strategic reforms in infrastructure, economic diversification, agriculture, education financing, digital innovation, skills development and improved security.

According to the Minister, these reforms are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth while enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness 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.

The Minister also underscored the invaluable role of Nigerians in the diaspora as ambassadors of the nation’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 translate discussions into concrete outcomes through increased investment, technology transfer, tourism development, innovation partnerships and joint ventures that will 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,” the Minister stated.

In her remarks, the Chairman/CEO 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 in the diaspora 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.

In attendance were the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Office of the Vice President, Mr Aliyu Bunu Sheriff; the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology, Patience Fakai; among other dignitaries.