The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed support for the forthcoming Nigeria-Saudi Diaspora Investment and Tourism Exhibition Summit, describing it as a platform to strengthen investment, trade and tourism relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
According to an official statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, the Commission’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the summit would help address misconceptions about investment opportunities in both countries while promoting stronger economic cooperation.
Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, spoke during a pre-event media conference held at NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja ahead of the second edition of the summit, themed “The Misconceptions, Challenges, and Opportunities in Investing in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria Today.”
She recalled that the maiden edition of the exhibition in 2019 attracted more than 30 Saudi Arabian companies and described the forthcoming event as a timely initiative that would deepen bilateral investment relations and create new opportunities for businesses, investors and other stakeholders.
The NiDCOM Chairman also commended the organisers, Al Yaro International Limited, for their sustained efforts in promoting investment opportunities and strengthening business visibility for individuals and companies in both countries.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Technology Transfer, Innovation and Investment, Hon. Abdulrahman Terab, said the summit had been carefully designed to provide participants with a clearer understanding of the investment climate in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia while facilitating strategic business partnerships.
He noted that although both countries have enjoyed longstanding diplomatic, cultural and socio-economic ties, there is a need to translate those relationships into stronger economic and commercial partnerships.
Terab said participants would have opportunities to explore investment prospects in key sectors, including agriculture, real estate, technology transfer, trade and tourism, and encouraged Nigerians and other stakeholders to participate actively in the event.
One of the organisers, Mr. Muhammed Umar Yaro, announced that the exhibition would take place on August 4 and 5, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
According to him, the summit is designed to unlock investment opportunities and provide a platform for policymakers, investors and business leaders to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria-Saudi Arabia trade and investment relations.
Yaro disclosed that more than 100 exhibitors, about 5,000 visitors and representatives from 20 investment sectors are expected to participate in the two-day event, which will focus on sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, real estate and tourism.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the NiDCOM Chairman for their continued support, expressing optimism that the second edition would further strengthen economic collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
