Riyadh – Nigeria and Saudi Arabia celebrated their longstanding bilateral relations and highlighted the progress made in various areas of cooperation during a special event commemorating Nigeria’s 63rd independence day anniversary in Riyadh. Nigerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawal, expressed his gratitude towards King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for their efforts in strengthening the historical and cordial ties between the two countries.
Since establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1961, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have maintained a fruitful mechanism of bilateral consultations and coordination. Ambassador Lawal noted that over the past six decades, the bilateral cooperation, which initially focused on Hajj-related matters, has diversified to encompass several mutually beneficial areas. He highlighted the contributions of Nigerian professionals and compatriots, including talented football players, in various fields, further strengthening the relations between the two brotherly nations.
Ambassador Lawal also mentioned the ongoing negotiations of more than a dozen agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) within the framework of the Nigeria-Saudi Joint Commission. He expressed optimism that the finalization and implementation of these agreements would unlock the immense potential in the relationship and elevate the cooperation to a strategic level.
Both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are active members of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+), the International Energy Forum, the G77, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Islamic Development Bank, the Digital Cooperation Organization, and the Saudi-led Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition. The two nations effectively utilize these platforms for close interaction and coordination, sharing similar aspirations for a stable oil market and promoting South-South cooperation for trade, investment, and sustainable economic development.
In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Nigeria is also diversifying its economy away from oil dependence. The Nigerian ambassador highlighted the country’s focus on agriculture, mining, the digital economy, and tourism to promote sustainable development. Nigeria has implemented various programs and policies, including the National Digital Economic Policy and Strategy, the establishment of Special Agro Industrial Processing Zones, the Agriculture for Food and Jobs Programme, and the Petroleum Industry Act, aimed at transforming and opening up the oil and gas sector. The country has also introduced incentives to attract domestic and foreign investments, such as tax holidays, easy company registration, pioneer status incentives, and access to credit facilities.
Ambassador Lawal expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for sending a ministerial delegation to Abuja to participate in the investiture ceremony of Nigeria’s new cabinet. Fruitful bilateral talks were held between the delegation and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, reaffirming Nigeria’s support for Saudi Arabia to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh. The ambassador also appreciated Saudi Arabia’s peace efforts in Sudan, annual scholarship awards to Nigerian students, and humanitarian interventions through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.
Furthermore, Ambassador Lawal commended Saudi Arabia for its initiative to host the Saudi-Africa and Arab-Africa summits in Riyadh. He expressed hope that these historic forums would lay the foundation for a new era of partnership between the Kingdom and Africa, particularly with the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. The AfCFTA is projected to significantly boost Africa’s income and intra-African exports, fostering economic growth and cooperation across the continent.
The event in Riyadh was attended by Riyadh Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, highlighting the significance and support extended by Saudi Arabian authorities to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
