By Obiabin Onukwugha
Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has stated that Saudi Arabia investment will create job opportunities and lift million of Nigerians out of poverty.
The Minister stated this while speaking on the sidelines of the Saudi-Africa Investment Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday.
Edu, who was part of the President’s delegation to the Carebean country during the summit, said Nigeria was poised to end multi-dimensional poverty by the year 2030.
She highlighted the importance of the summit, noting that Nigeria is open for business.
The Humanitarian Minister also quoted President Tinibu, of assuring investors of their return on investment.
She underscored the determination of the President Tinibu “Renewed Hope Agenda” in reducing humanitarian crises and poverty challenges in Nigeria.
She also expressed joy that Nigeria’s policy in addressing its humanitarian challenges was beginning to receive global acceptability, with the latest being the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, pointing out that the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre will also be partnering with Nigeria in these areas.
She said: “The opportunity provided by the Saudi-Africa Summit was in line with the poverty Alleviation and job creation agenda of President Tinubu.”
On his part, the Saudi Trade & Investment Minister, Khalid El-Falid said: “We are not coming to Nigeria for exploratory talks but coming for implementation. Investment is sure from Saudi Arabia.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Azuks, also assured of safety in business investments in the country. “You will get the best return on investment, and our new policies will protect your business. This is your best opportunity to invest in all frontiers,” she stated.
It was gathered that Tinibu, during the Saudi-Africa Summit, had bilateral meetings with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, and other key investors, with the aim of attracting investments to Nigeria, including investment to revamp the country’s local refineries.
Other key sectors of interest highlighted by the President were agriculture, solid minerals mining, finance, etc.