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 today at 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 Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari , Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Chairman Nigeria Governor’s Forum Abdulrahman Abdullazaq held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Speaking at a meeting, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator 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, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr 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 administration.
Professor Utsev expressed optimism that the partnership would also benefit Nigeria in the area of sanitation and hygiene sector.
Chairman, Nigerian Governor’s Forum and Governor of Kwara State Abdullahman Abdullazaq who pointed out that all lands belong to States said, the Nigerian Governors were willing to channel the lands in their care for full agriculture for consumption and export.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu who also spoke at the meeting said the partnership will benefit the two countries especially in the areas of economy and job creation.
Earlier, head of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia delegation Engr Abdulrahman Alfadley said they were in Nigeria to cement 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 presentation at the meeting.
Terhemen Oraduen
Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.
