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Tag: Saudi Arabia

  • Nigeria, Saudi Arabia move to strengthen housing, construction technology

    Nigeria, Saudi Arabia move to strengthen housing, construction technology

    ‎Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have moved to deepen bilateral cooperation in housing development, construction technology, and local building materials manufacturing, following high-level talks on the sidelines of the 2026 Real Estate Future Forum (RFF 2026) in Riyadh.

    ‎The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH), Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, where both sides explored areas of strategic collaboration to attract private capital and accelerate large-scale housing delivery in Nigeria.

    ‎At the meeting, Dangiwa presented Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, describing it as a flagship intervention designed to deliver homes at scale across income segments through structured public-private partnerships.

    ‎He also outlined the Federal Government’s Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs initiative, aimed at boosting local production, lowering construction costs, creating jobs, and strengthening the construction value chain.

    According to the minister, “the Federal Government is repositioning housing as a key economic growth driver rather than only a social intervention.

    ‎”The Renewed Hope Housing Programme is backed by clear policies, bankable PPP frameworks and strong demand fundamentals.”

    ‎He noted that Nigeria is seeking strategic partnerships with credible Saudi developers, manufacturers, financiers, and technology providers, particularly in the area of local building materials production.

    ‎“Our Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs offer a compelling opportunity for Saudi investors interested in local production and long-term value creation in Nigeria,” he said.

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    ‎In his response, Al-Hogail welcomed Nigeria’s reform-driven housing agenda and expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to strengthen institutional cooperation with Nigeria.

    ‎He said Saudi authorities recognise Nigeria’s significant housing demand and the efforts being made to unlock private investment in the sector, noting that both countries share common objectives in large-scale housing delivery, construction innovation, and local manufacturing.

    ‎“There are clear areas of synergy between our housing and urban development goals. MOMRAH would support engagement between Nigerian institutions and reputable Saudi firms with the required capital, expertise, and technical capacity,” Al-Hogail said.

    ‎The engagement underscores Nigeria’s strategy of using global platforms such as RFF 2026 to attract foreign investment, exchange best practices, and forge partnerships to accelerate housing delivery and industrial development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    ‎The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said follow-up engagements would continue with MOMRAH and prospective Saudi partners to translate the discussions into concrete investment opportunities and project-level collaborations in Nigeria.

  • Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, others join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

    Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, others join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

    The foreign ministers of eight countries – Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – have welcomed United States President Donald Trump’s invitation to their leaders to join the “Board of Peace” for Gaza.

    “The ministers announce their countries’ shared decision to join the Board of Peace,” said a joint statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

    “Each country will sign the joining documents according to their respective relevant legal and other necessary procedures, including the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, that have already announced to join,” the statement said.

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    The ministers, it said, reaffirmed their countries’ support for the peace efforts led by Trump and reiterated their commitment to supporting the implementation of the mandate of the Board of Peace as a transitional administration, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

    The plan seeks to consolidate a permanent ceasefire, back Gaza’s reconstruction, and foster a just and lasting peace rooted in the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood in accordance with international law, thereby promoting security and stability for all states and peoples of the region.

    Last week, the White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace alongside the approval of a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, one of four bodies designated to manage the transitional phase in the enclave.

    The creation of the board coincided with the launch of phase two of a ceasefire agreement, which halted Israel’s war on Gaza that has killed more than 71,000 people and injured over 171,000 others since October 2023.

  • Saudi Arabia opens doors to Nigerian startups

    Saudi Arabia opens doors to Nigerian startups

    Saudi Arabia has expressed a strong willingness to deepen collaboration with Nigerian and African startups in a bid to strengthen food production and expand innovation-driven growth across both countries.

    Speaking on the Kingdom’s expanding international partnerships, Vice Chairman, Entrepreneurship Vision, Abdulaziz Alsaif, said Saudi Arabia is committed to working closely with African innovators, particularly those driving agricultural transformation.

    According to him, the Kingdom sees enormous potential in African entrepreneurship and is prepared to support ventures that can scale with the right financing and market access.

    “Saudi Arabia is ready to work with startups from Nigeria and the rest of Africa to boost food production,” Alsaif said, noting that enhanced cooperation could help address food security challenges while unlocking new opportunities for agritech solutions.

    Alsaif added that Saudi authorities are increasingly opening the doors for African founders who wish to grow beyond their borders.

    He explained that the Kingdom is positioning itself as a magnet for emerging-market talent. “The Saudi Arabia government is ready to work with startups and innovators from Nigeria seeking venture finance to expand their operations to the Middle East,” he stated, emphasising that the growing investor appetite in Riyadh offers a fertile ground for ambitious founders.

    He highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem has undergone remarkable transformation in recent years—an evolution he believes can serve as a model for African countries looking to accelerate entrepreneurial development. “Saudi Arabia has achieved tremendous growth in its startup ecosystem and it is ready to share this experience with Nigerians,” Alsaif said, stressing that knowledge exchange, joint ventures and cross-border incubation programmes could further strengthen ties.

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    With venture capital funding in the Kingdom reaching new highs,he  said there has never been a more strategic moment for African innovators—especially those driving solutions in agriculture, food production, sustainability and digital transformation—to collaborate with Saudi partners.

    According to him, Saudi Arabia is entering a defining moment in its transformation journey as state-backed momentum in entrepreneurship, agri-tech, science innovation and global partnerships converges under Vision 2030.

    Beyond entrepreneurship, he said  the Kingdom  was  pursuing a parallel mission: to increase food security by 40 percent by 2030.

     According to him , Saudi Arabia has made food resilience a top national priority, adding that the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is rolling out n smart farming investments.

    He explained that technology is central to this transformation and that the government is also nurturing a new generation of agricultural professionals,

    He indicated that Saudi Arabia is also projecting its innovation agenda globally.

    At the first Africa-hosted G20 Summit in Johannesburg, the Kingdom signaled a renewed push for African partnerships.

     Chair of the G20 Startup20 Engagement Group, Prince Fahd bin Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, led a delegation that engaged in sessions on cross-border startup growth, talent mobility, innovation diplomacy and investment frameworks. “Our work with South Africa and our G20 partners is laying the foundation for a more dynamic, more inclusive, and more competitive future for entrepreneurs worldwide,” he said.

  • Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince unveils 900,000 King Salman Gate Project

    Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince unveils 900,000 King Salman Gate Project

    His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, has announced the launch of the King Salman Gate, a landmark multi-use development in Makkah.

    Covering up to 12 million square meters adjacent to AlMasjid AlHaram, the project aims to transform Makkah’s urban landscape and strengthen its position as a global model for modern city planning. It will enhance access to the Grand Mosque, improve service quality, and enrich the experience of pilgrims and visitors in line with the Pilgrim Experience Programme.

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    The integrated mixed-use destination will feature residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural facilities, accommodating about 900,000 indoor and outdoor worshippers. With a seamless connection to public transport networks, the project is designed for accessibility, sustainability, and comfort.

    King Salman Gate will also preserve the city’s cultural heritage by restoring and developing 19,000 square meters of historical sites, blending Makkah’s traditional architecture with world-class infrastructure.

    Expected to generate over 300,000 jobs by 2036, the project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals.

    Developed by RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the project underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development and to enhancing Makkah’s status as a spiritual, cultural, and global destination.

  • 850 Nigerian students studying in Saudi 

    850 Nigerian students studying in Saudi 

    • 3,200 Muslims, non-Muslims graduated in decade

    No fewer than 850 Nigerian students are currently schooling in various universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The Nation learnt.

    No fewer than 3,200 Nigerians have so far graduated from the country’s universities in the last one decade.

    Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs, King Khalid University, Prof. Saad M. Bin Dajem, disclosed this yesterday at the opening of the Forum of Saudi Arabia Universities Alumni in Nigeria and Neighboring Countries.

    The forum, which was held in Abuja, has as theme: “Alumni of Saudi universities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Surrounding countries and their impact on sustainable development.”

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    Dajem said: “In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 850 students from this country (Nigeria) studying in Saudi Universities.

     “Already, since decades, there are more than 3,200 graduates from Nigeria. Now, in study, there are almost 850 in progress of study.”

    He said his country is open to admitting more Nigerians to study in their universities, adding that prospective students from Nigeria will be given acceptable rate.

     “We are actually proud to accept more Nigerian students in our university in different disciplines, education, engineering, science, Arabic language, religious studies and medical sector. Hopefully, we will arrange a good acceptance rate for this country because it contributes a huge number of population to the African continent,” he added.

    He also revealed that his country has a scholarship scheme, which is available to all irrespective of religion.

    The Khalid University don said scholarships are for both Muslims and non-Muslims.

    He said: “According to our regulation, admission will be accessible to all even scholarships.

     “And we have King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, most of the scholarships for students are for Muslims and non-Muslims as well. And King Fahd University for Mineral and Petroleum also employs and accepts students from all cultures, all religions, all continents,” he added.

    Speaking on the forum, the don said it is to open communication with alumni from the universities and see how they are impacting on their environment.

    He said: “We found them very active and we expect that when they come back to their country, they will contribute to sustainable development, either for personal living or in the country.”

    On the prospect of Nigerian graduates in Saudi Arabia, Dajem said graduates who wish to pursue higher degrees after their first degree are allowed to continue and also those whose skills are needed stand the chance to be employed.

     “Actually, when they graduated from Saudi university, they could continue their higher studies in Master or PhD. And if they are well-qualified, they will be hired by the university as a professor.

    Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, in her opening remarks, lauded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its long-standing commitment to educational cooperation and cultural institutions with Nigeria.

    Dr. Ahmad said: “Such partnerships enrich our human capital and strengthen bilateral ties for mutual good. As we celebrate this gathering, I urge the alumni to continue to serve as ambassadors of knowledge, peace and development.

     “Your role in mentoring young Nigerians, advancing intercultural understanding and contributing to national development cannot be overstated. The Federal Ministry of Education will continue to support initiatives that harness alumni network for national advancement, for educational advancement and sustainable nation building.”

    She also recognised the invaluable contributions of Nigerian alumni of Saudi universities to the national growth, peace, education, culture and development of the country.

    She added: “Beyond academic achievement, you embody the bridge of friendship, cooperation and shared values between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Education, as we know, is the bedrock of progress.

    On his part, Secretary of the Alumni, Dr. Mohamed Munir Ilyas, who was a graduate of Islamic University of Medina, said since returning home, he has been contributing towards peaceful co-existence between the two major religious groups in Nigeria.

    He stressed: “Of course, when you look at development, where there is no peace, it’s very hard to have development. We have been encouraging our members to be law-abiding citizens and peacemakers, peace builders and peace keepers also. And also to make an impact as far as academics is concerned, as far as moral is concerned, as far as even earning livelihood is concerned.”

  • Chile 2025: Amadi, Enegwea rally Flying Eagles for  Saudi Arabia

    Chile 2025: Amadi, Enegwea rally Flying Eagles for  Saudi Arabia

    Heartland goalkeepers’ trainer, Emeka Amadi, has urged Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to believe in themselves when they face Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Friday (Nigerian time) at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup.

    Amadi, who was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the Saudi ’89 U-20 World Cup where the Flying Eagles reached the final before losing 2-0 to Portugal, told NationSport exclusively that the current team must not dwell on their opening-day defeat to Norway.

    Reflecting on the loss, Amadi noted: “It was just hard luck against Norway. No matter how good you are, if you are not lucky, you will not make it. Norway scored through a penalty but ours was not approved by the VAR. We hit the bar twice and also missed some scoring chances.

    “I believe they will come all out in the next game against Saudi Arabia because they know what is at stake and that Nigerians would be glad to see them qualify from the group. I would like to admonish the Flying Eagles to play total football and, above all, they must believe in themselves. They should not underrate their opponents.”

    Also speaking, Heartland  Assistant Coach, Taiwo Enegwea, who was part of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets squad that lost to the Soviet Union in the final of Canada ’87 and later featured at Saudi ’89 with Amadi, called on the Flying Eagles to show resilience in their remaining group games.

    Enegwea stressed that the defeat to Norway should serve as a wake-up call: “They must strive to win their next two games to qualify. If I recall vividly, Argentina, who won the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar, lost their opening game to Saudi Arabia. So, their loss to Norway should not be a yardstick to feel they won’t make it to the next round. The defeat is just an eye opener for them to know they must work harder in the next game.

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    They actually played very well but lost scoring chances. The coach should work on their area of deficiencies in the last game.”

    Enegwea, recalling his own international experience, emphasized the competitive spirit that shaped his generation:

     “I had a very good experience playing for Nigeria because we had a lot of competition during our era. Merit was the order of the day in team selection. From Canada ’87 to Saudi ’89, we played with determination, and that is the same mentality the current Flying Eagles must embrace.”

    The Flying Eagles will face Saudi Arabia in the wee hours of Friday in the second game of the group stage hoping to secure their first win of the competition and boost their qualification chances.

  • Drug kingpin arrested over pilgrims detained in Saudi Arabia

    Drug kingpin arrested over pilgrims detained in Saudi Arabia

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, and five members of his syndicate over a plot that led to the detention of three innocent Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

    The NDLEA said the syndicate, operating from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, secretly checked in bags of illicit drugs in the names of the pilgrims who had gone for lesser hajj.

    At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said, “Our investigation shows clearly that Mrs Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu and Mr Abdulhamid Saddiq, who are being detained in Jeddah, are victims of a criminal conspiracy.”

    He explained, “The bags were traced to one Ali Abubakar Mohammed, alias Bello Karama, who checked them into Ethiopian Airlines on August 6, the same day the pilgrims travelled. Interestingly, while he planted the bags, he himself boarded Egypt Air to Jeddah.”

    Babafemi said the suspects confessed. “Ali admitted bringing in seven luggage. Celestina Emmanuel Yayock confessed to checking in two of them for one hundred thousand naira. Another suspect, Jazuli Kabir, admitted collecting one hundred thousand naira to check in two other bags. We have the transfer receipts.”

    Read Also: NDLEA nabs drug kingpin, five others over arrest of three Nigerians in Saudi Arabia

    Six suspects are in custody. Four, including Bello Karama, have been charged in court.

    The NDLEA said its chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), will meet Saudi narcotics authorities to secure the release of the pilgrims. “If required, the CCEO is prepared to travel to Saudi Arabia personally to pursue this matter to its conclusion,” Babafemi said.

    He added, “Nigeria will never abandon its citizens. While there are no sacred cows in our enforcement duties, we will not support the innocent being punished for crimes they did not commit.”

  • 140 Nigerians benefit from Saudi Arabia cardiac surgeries in Kano

    140 Nigerians benefit from Saudi Arabia cardiac surgeries in Kano

    No fewer than 140 Nigerians benefited from the Saudi Arabia life saving humanitarian medical outreach in Kano. 

    The five-day campaign attraxti a 25-member team of highly skilled Saudi medical volunteers under the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief).

    The team, according to  a statement by the Kingdom Press Attache of the Embassy in Nigeria, Mohamed Alsahabi, conducted a number of open-heart surgeries and cardiac catheterizations, all of which were completed successfully, bringing renewed hope to patients and their families. 

    Alsahabi said that the initiative reflected Saudi Arabia’s continued humanitarian efforts through KSrelief, which has been at the forefront of delivering critical medical interventions and aid to vulnerable communities across the globe.

    “This project in Kano is part of KSrelief’s broader global program of voluntary medical interventions that have made significant impacts in many countries. In Yemen, the center’s teams carried out dozens of open-heart surgeries and over 140 cardiac catheterizations in Mukalla. In Tanzania, KSrelief specialists performed pediatric open-heart surgeries, offering life-saving treatment to children who otherwise lacked access to advanced cardiac care. 

    “In Mauritania, the center pioneered 37 minimally invasive laparoscopic heart surgeries, a rare and costly procedure in many parts of Africa. Similar missions have been conducted in Indonesia, where open-heart surgeries were performed in Medan; in Uzbekistan, where more than 80 procedures were carried out in Tashkent; and in Tajikistan, where the center’s volunteers completed 15 open-heart surgeries and over 130 catheterizations in Dushanbe earlier this year.

    “These interventions, praised for their precision and success rates, not only save lives but also strengthen Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian footprint through medical diplomacy. Officials emphasized that the Kano project, like those before it, was designed to alleviate suffering, provide quality healthcare at no cost to patients, and demonstrate the Kingdom’s readiness to support communities in need across continents.”

  • Nigeria, Saudi Arabia sign landmark customs cooperation agreement

    Nigeria, Saudi Arabia sign landmark customs cooperation agreement

    In a significant step toward enhancing strategic customs collaboration, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark bilateral agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.

    The agreement was formalised on Thursday, June 26, 2025, during the 145th/146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council held at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) headquarters in Brussels.

    Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and Governor Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi of Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority signed the pact, which aims to strengthen operational synergy between both countries in critical areas such as customs enforcement, information sharing, valuation, and coordinated border management.

    Describing the agreement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s customs diplomacy, Adeniyi said: “This agreement provides a strong platform for operational synergy in tackling customs offences, sharing intelligence, and ensuring fair and accurate application of customs laws.”

    He added that the deal aligns with ongoing efforts by the NCS to modernise its operations, promote transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s integration into global trade systems.

    Read Also: Successful Hajj 1446: Saudi Arabia announces end of pilgrimage

    “It aligns with our broader efforts to modernise Customs, promote transparency, and deepen Nigeria’s integration into the global trade ecosystem,” he stated.

    Beyond enforcement, the agreement is also designed to promote innovation and build trust in customs administration between the two countries.

    “The Service sees this partnership not just as a tool for enforcement, but as a mechanism to drive innovation and trust in customs administration. Nigeria is proud to join hands with Saudi Arabia in advancing a future where customs operations are smarter, faster, and more cooperative,” Adeniyi added.

    Governor Abanmi welcomed the deal as a reflection of shared priorities in streamlining customs processes and fighting illicit trade.

    “Saudi Arabia welcomes this partnership with Nigeria. Our customs administrations face similar challenges, and through this agreement, we aim to share knowledge, strengthen enforcement, and safeguard our economies from illicit trade,” he said.

    The agreement, grounded in international conventions including the WCO Recommendation on Mutual Administrative Assistance (1953), establishes a formal framework for administrative cooperation. It covers joint investigations, exchange of data, and enforcement of trade prohibitions, and is set to remain in force indefinitely—subject to mutual amendments or termination through diplomatic notification.

  • Successful Hajj 1446: Saudi Arabia announces end of pilgrimage

    Successful Hajj 1446: Saudi Arabia announces end of pilgrimage

    Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region, announced the successful completion of Hajj 1446, declaring it incident-free in terms of security, health, and services.

    Mishaal said that over 1.6 million pilgrims participated in the holy pilgrimage, with 1,506,576 pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom.

    He explained that 166,654 domestic pilgrims, comprising Saudi citizens and residents.

    Mishaal said, “Total pilgrims1,673,230, including 877,841 male pilgrims and 795,389 female pilgrims.”

    The prince extended congratulations to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their role in ensuring the pilgrims’ safety and peace.

    He also praised the pilgrims’ cooperation and compliance with regulations, which contributed to the season’s success.

    Mishaal added, “The pilgrims performed their rites in safety and peace, thanks to the distinguished execution of operational plans by the Kingdom’s leadership.

    “The Hajj season was free of any major security, health, or service-related incidents.”

    He said that preparations for the next Hajj season would begin immediately, with the Kingdom’s leadership, government, and people taking pride in serving the holy sites and visitors.

     Mishaal extended congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their role in ensuring the pilgrims’ safety and peace.

    (NAN)