The Federal Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations to explore the huge potentials in Nigeria particularly in the areas of agriculture, trade and economic opportunities.
The two countries made the commitment on Thursday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja during a meeting between a delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by its Honourable Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engr. Abdulrahman Alfadley; and the Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; as well as the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; alongside the Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, Abdulrahman Abdullazaq.
Speaking at a meeting, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, explained that Nigeria is endowed with agricultural potential and investment opportunities that, if properly harnessed, would boost food production that can feed the entire nation and be exported, as well as enhance the economy of the country .
According to him, it was part of a deliberate move to achieve food production and explore investment opportunities in the country that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently met with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, with a follow up meeting being held in Nigeria between the two countries to rekindle the earlier commitment .
In his speech, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who highlighted the importance of water for irrigated agriculture, maintained that Nigeria was happy with the partnership and willing to provide all that was needed to enhance food production in order to achieve the food security drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Professor Utsev expressed optimism that the partnership would also benefit Nigeria in the area of sanitation and hygiene sector.
The Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdullahman Abdullazaq, who pointed out that all lands belong to states, said Nigerian governors were willing to channel the lands in their care for full agriculture for consumption and export.
in his remarks, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the partnership will benefit the two countries, especially in the areas of economy and job creation.
Earlier, the Head of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia delegation, Engr. Abdulrahman Alfadley, said they were in Nigeria to cement the relationship between the two countries, especially in the areas of comparative advantage, including agriculture, investment, economy and job creation.
Members of the business community also made presentations at the meeting.
