FG, Saudi Arabia collaborate to enhance bilateral relations in agriculture, trade sectors

The federal government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to enhance their bilateral relations in the areas of agricultural and trade.

According to a statement on Thursday by Terhemen Oraduen, the media aide of Joseph Utsev, minister of water resources and sanitation, the commitment was made at a meeting between a delegation from Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

The Saudi Arabia delegation, the statement noted, was led by Abdulrahman Alfadley, the kingdom’s minister of environment, water and agriculture.

Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, Utsev, Abubakar Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, and Abdulrahman Abdullazaq, the chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, formed the Nigerian delegation.

Speaking at the meeting, Kyari said Nigeria is endowed with agricultural potential and investment opportunities, stating that if properly utilised, it could boost food production, exports, and the country’s economy.

According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu recently met with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia as part of a deliberate move to achieve food production and explore investment opportunities in the country.

He said a follow-up meeting was held in Nigeria between the two countries to rekindle the earlier commitment.

In his remarks, Utsev, emphasised the importance of water for irrigated agriculture.

He said Nigeria is pleased with the collaboration and is prepared to supply all necessary resources to increase food production and meet the federal government’s goal of food security.

Utsev also expressed optimism that the collaboration would also benefit Nigeria in the sanitation and hygiene sector.

On his part, Abdullazaq said all lands belong to states, adding that the Nigerian governors are eager to channel the lands in their care for a full-scale agriculture intended for consumption and export.

Also speaking, Alfadley said the Saudi arabia delegation was in Nigeria to strengthen relationship between the two countries especially in the areas of comparative advantage including agriculture, investment, economy, and job creation.