Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has called for a strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance investment opportunities in Nigeria. The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the Saudi Arabia Nigerian Parliamentary Friendship Group on Wednesday.
Acknowledging the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, spanning over 25 years, Speaker Abbas advocated for an intensified collaboration in key sectors such as trade and investment, tourism, oil and gas, and infrastructure.
Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Speaker Abbas emphasized the vision for robust collaboration across various sectors, underscoring the importance of strengthening ties in trade, investment, and tourism.
Highlighting a trade disparity, particularly in mineral resources, the Speaker called for a more balanced trade relationship, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to growing its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In response to the call for collaboration, Abdullah Hamad Alsalamah, the Acting Chairman of the Saudi Arabia/Nigerian Parliamentary Friendship Group, outlined their mission to explore new avenues for strengthening the partnership with Nigeria for mutual benefits. The group aims to foster future bilateral relations with Nigeria, reflecting a commitment to deepening the existing ties between the two nations.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and Abdullah Hamad Alsalamah both expressed optimism about the potential for increased cooperation and mutual benefits through strategic partnerships.
The call for a strategic alliance between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia underscores the commitment of the Nigerian government to creating an enabling environment for foreign investment and fostering economic growth through international collaborations. The dialogue sets the stage for potential advancements in various sectors, aligning with the vision of both nations for sustainable development and prosperity.