Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening economic relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, declared that the two countries are well positioned to build a mutually beneficial partnership anchored on investment, trade and the rapidly expanding global halal economy.
Represented at the Nigeria-Saudi Investment and Tourism Exhibition in Abuja, by his Special Adviser on Export Expansion and Secretary of the Nigerian Halal Economy Strategy Implementation Committee, Aliyu Bulu Sharif, the Vice President said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised export diversification, investment promotion and private sector-led economic growth as key pillars of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the timing of the summit was significant, as both countries seek to deepen cooperation in sectors including agriculture, tourism, healthcare, energy, infrastructure, logistics and technology.
According to him, Nigeria should not merely be viewed as a consumer market but as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation with enormous opportunities for investors seeking access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He also described Saudi Arabia as more than a source of capital, pointing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms that have transformed it into one of the world’s fastest-diversifying economies.
The Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s emerging Halal Economy Strategy, explaining that the Federal Government is positioning the country to become Africa’s leading hub in the global halal market valued at more than seven trillion dollars.
He said the strategy covers agriculture, livestock, food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics and Islamic finance, creating fresh opportunities for collaboration with Saudi investors.
According to him, Nigeria possessed abundant agricultural resources, entrepreneurial talent and a strategic geographical location, while government is strengthening regulatory standards, certification systems, financing mechanisms and infrastructure to enhance investor confidence.
He assured participants that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting genuine investors through relevant ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the Halal Economy Strategy Implementation Committee.
Shettima commended NiDCOM and Al-Yaro International Limited for creating a platform that promotes people-to-people diplomacy and commercial partnerships between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He expressed confidence that discussions during the two-day exhibition would lead to concrete investments, signed agreements and long-term economic partnerships that would benefit both countries.
