Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via enhanced cooperation in media, communication, economy, and security.
The Minister stated this while receiving the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yosef Bin Mohammed Al Balawi, and his delegation at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja on Wednesday.
Welcoming the Ambassador, the Minister described the visit as a strategic step toward deepening institutional collaboration between both countries.
In a statement released by his aide, Idris emphasised that Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia and is committed to expanding cooperation across key sectors.
According to him, “Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“And we are committed to translating our shared history into stronger institutional partnerships, particularly in media cooperation, economic collaboration, and security engagement for the mutual benefit of our people”.
The Minister announced that Nigeria has already endorsed three major Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) proposed by the Saudi authorities to strengthen collaboration in the media and communication sector.
These include cooperation in news exchange between the News Agency of Nigeria and the Saudi Press Agency, collaboration in radio and television broadcasting between the Nigerian Television Authority and the Saudi Broadcasting Authority.
As well as cooperation in the field of audio-visual media between the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission and the Kingdom’s relevant regulatory authorities.
According to the Minister, these agreements will enhance professional exchanges, promote balanced information flows, and strengthen media diplomacy between the two nations.
“The Memoranda of Understanding between our media institutions are not just agreements on paper; they represent a strategic step toward strengthening media diplomacy, promoting balanced information exchange, and deepening bilateral relations between our two nations,” he added.
The Minister further highlighted the importance of collaboration within multilateral platforms such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and UNESCO, where both countries share mutual interests. He noted that Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Saudi Arabia in promoting global peace, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development.
While acknowledging the strong religious and cultural ties between the two nations, the Minister expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support in facilitating Hajj and Umrah operations for Nigerian pilgrims.
He also welcomed discussions around the possible resumption of direct flights between Jeddah and Abuja, describing it as a development that would further boost people-to-people connections, tourism, and economic exchange.Earlier in his remarks, Ambassador Yosef bin Mohammed Al Balawi expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and conveyed his country’s desire to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria in strategic areas, including economy, security, media, and political relations.
“Saudi Arabia is eager to work closely with Nigeria to strengthen cooperation in media, economy, security, and religious affairs, while also ensuring that accurate and constructive information about our country is shared through strong institutional partnerships,” the Ambassador said.
The Ambassador also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving Nigerian pilgrims and disclosed ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and cooperation that will benefit citizens of both countries.
Those present at the courtesy visit were Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam; Director, Public Communication, Henshaw Ogubike; Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Haruna Suleiman, PhD; Director, National Archive, Dr Evelyn Odigboh; and many others.
