Nigeria Ready for New Era of Investment, Trade with Saudi Arabia – FG

The Federal Government has declared Nigeria open for business, inviting Saudi Arabian investors to take advantage of ongoing economic reforms aimed at boosting investment, trade and tourism under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Tuesday at the Nigeria–Saudi Diaspora Investment and Tourism Exhibition Summit 2026 in Abuja, where he said the administration’s reforms were creating a more competitive and investor-friendly economy.

“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 platform for governments, investors and the private sector to forge practical partnerships capable of expanding trade, stimulating investment, creating jobs and strengthening economic relations between both countries.

According to the minister, President Tinubu’s economic reforms span infrastructure, economic diversification, agriculture, education financing, digital innovation, skills development and security, all aimed at positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for regional and global investment.

“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.
Idris also highlighted the role of Nigerians in the diaspora in attracting foreign investment, noting that their expertise, business networks and entrepreneurial success have continued to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

He urged participants to move beyond discussions by pursuing investments, technology transfer, tourism development, innovation partnerships and joint ventures that would deliver tangible benefits to both countries.

“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, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called for stronger economic cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia through diaspora-led investments.

She urged investors to explore opportunities in real estate, agriculture, tourism, logistics and other strategic sectors, describing Nigerians abroad as critical partners in national development.

“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,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

The summit brought together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners and members of the Nigerian diaspora to explore opportunities for expanding investment, tourism and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

Vice President Kashim Shettima was represented at the event by his Special Assistant on Export Expansion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, while Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Patience Fakai.