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Nigeria Open for Business, Ready to Deepen Investment, Trade with Saudi Arabia — Information Minister
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening investment, trade and tourism ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, declaring that the country is entering a new phase of economic transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the declaration on Tuesday while speaking at the Nigeria–Saudi Diaspora Investment and Tourism Exhibition Summit 2026 in Abuja.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is implementing far-reaching economic reforms designed to position Nigeria as a competitive and investor-friendly destination, driven by private sector growth, innovation and enterprise.
“Nigeria is open for business and ready for deeper partnership with Saudi Arabia. Our economic reforms are creating new opportunities for investment, trade and tourism, and we invite investors to take advantage of the enormous potential our country offers,” Idris said.
He described the summit as a strategic platform for governments, investors and the private sector to build practical partnerships capable of expanding trade, attracting investments, creating jobs and strengthening economic relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The minister said the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is reshaping Nigeria’s investment environment through reforms in infrastructure, economic diversification, agriculture, education financing, digital innovation, skills development and security.
According to him, these initiatives are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth while enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a preferred destination for regional and global investors.
Idris also stressed the importance of presenting a positive and accurate image of Nigeria to the international community.
“Our responsibility is to continue projecting an accurate, balanced and confident narrative about Nigeria. Investment flourishes where there is transparency, policy consistency and trust. We are committed to ensuring that the world sees Nigeria for what it truly is—a country of immense opportunity, resilience and promise,” he said.
The minister further acknowledged the vital role of Nigerians in the diaspora, describing them as key ambassadors of the country’s economic potential through their expertise, entrepreneurial achievements and global professional networks.
He urged participants at the summit to move beyond discussions and pursue tangible partnerships in investment, technology transfer, tourism development, innovation and joint ventures.
“Let us move beyond dialogue to action. Let us build partnerships that create jobs, grow businesses, promote innovation and improve the lives of our people,” he added.
Also speaking at the summit, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called for stronger economic collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia through diaspora-led investments.
She encouraged investors to explore opportunities in sectors including real estate, agriculture, tourism and logistics, noting that Nigerians in the diaspora contribute much more than remittances.
“Our diaspora contributes far more than remittances. They bring global expertise, market intelligence, credibility and valuable networks that can unlock investment and create jobs. Let us move beyond conversations to practical partnerships that will strengthen commercial ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia,” she said.
The summit attracted senior government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners and members of the Nigerian diaspora to explore new opportunities for expanding investment, tourism and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Among those in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Patience Fakai, alongside other dignitaries.
