Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are looking to deepen cooperation in aviation as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, identified aviation alongside agriculture, energy, investment, financial technology and trade as areas with potential for expanded bilateral collaboration.
Idris spoke in Abuja at a reception marking the 96th National Day of Saudi Arabia, where he said the relationship between both countries was evolving beyond its longstanding historical and religious connections towards a broader economic and strategic partnership.
“Today, our relationship is also taking on a broader economic and strategic dimension. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas such as agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade,” he said.
Aviation occupies a significant place in the relationship, given the longstanding movement of Nigerians to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, education, business and other purposes. Increased cooperation in the sector could also support wider connectivity and facilitate stronger commercial and people-to-people links between both countries.
Idris said Nigeria could draw lessons from Saudi Arabia’s development experience as the Federal Government pursues economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the administration was working to improve the investment environment, expand infrastructure and create opportunities across key sectors of the economy. The government, he added, was investing in roads and rail, improving electricity supply and implementing reforms in oil and gas, while placing greater emphasis on agriculture, manufacturing, digital technology and the creative economy.
The minister also highlighted efforts to attract more long-term investment through clearer and more predictable frameworks for businesses. He particularly invited Saudi investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria across infrastructure, energy, agriculture, mining and technology.
“We welcome Saudi investors and businesses that are interested in Nigeria,” Idris said, adding that there was considerable scope for cooperation in productive sectors of the economy.
For aviation, closer Nigeria-Saudi Arabia relations come against the backdrop of substantial passenger movement between the two countries, particularly during the annual Hajj and Umrah seasons. Stronger institutional and commercial ties could provide opportunities for airlines, airports, travel companies and other aviation stakeholders as bilateral trade and investment expand.
The minister commended the Saudi Embassy for its role in strengthening relations between the two countries and expressed confidence that increased trade, investment, exchanges and partnerships would further deepen bilateral ties.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former First Lady Aisha Buhari; members of the diplomatic community, industry leaders and other dignitaries.
