By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have pledged to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, trade, and economic development.
In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations and tap into Nigeria’s vast potential.
The commitment was affirmed during a high-level meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Thursday between delegations from both nations.
Leading the Saudi Arabian delegation was His Excellency Engr Abdulrahman Alfadley, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, while Nigeria was represented by a team led by Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, along with other top officials.
Senator Abubakar Kyari emphasized Nigeria’s abundant agricultural resources and untapped investment opportunities, underscoring the potential for significant food production to meet domestic needs and drive export growth, thereby bolstering the nation’s economy.
Highlighting the crucial role of water resources in agricultural development, Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at enhancing food security.
He also expressed optimism that the partnership would extend to sanitation and hygiene sectors, benefiting communities across Nigeria.
Abdullahman Abdullazaq, Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum and Governor of Kwara State, affirmed the states’ commitment to allocating lands for agricultural purposes, emphasizing their dedication to both domestic consumption and export-oriented agriculture.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, lauded the potential economic benefits of the partnership, particularly in job creation and overall economic growth for both countries.
Engr Abdulrahman Alfadley, head of the Saudi Arabian delegation, reiterated the mutual benefits of the strengthened relationship, emphasizing areas of comparative advantage such as agriculture, investment, and economic development.
The meeting also saw participation from members of the business community, underscoring the collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to drive forward this strategic partnership.
The gathering marks a significant step towards harnessing the immense potential of both nations, fostering economic growth, and advancing shared goals of food security and sustainable development.
