By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have strengthened partnership to explore the huge potentials in Nigeria particularly in the areas of agriculture, trade and economic opportunities.
Terhemen Oraduen, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation in a statement said, the both countries made the commitment at a meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
The high-level meeting was between a delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by its Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engr. Abdulrahman Alfadley, and the Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar, Atiku Bagudu, and Chairman Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Abdulrahman Abdullazaq.
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 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, Prof. Joseph 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.
Prof. 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.
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