Kano State Government says it is ready to engage with Saudi Arabian institutions, businesses, and development partners in the areas that could create economic opportunities and support development.
Gov. Abba Yusuf stated this at the 96th National Day celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, organised by the Saudi Arabian Consulate, Kano, on Thursday.
Represented by his deputy, Murtala Sule-Garo, Yusuf said that Kano’s longstanding role as a major commercial centre in Northern Nigeria offered opportunities for partnerships in trade, investment, employment and skills development.
He said the relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia was rooted in long historical, religious, cultural and economic antecedents.
The governor noted that Kano has maintained centuries-old links with the Kingdom through Islamic scholarship, trade and cultural exchange.
He identified trade, investment, agriculture, education, healthcare and human capital development as areas to further the cooperation.
The governor also recognised Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian contributions, including the work of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, and the Kingdom’s role in the successful separation and treatment of conjoined twins born in Kano.
Other areas, he said, included renewable energy, industrial development, public infrastructure and investment.
He said that the role of government institutions and the private sector in creating opportunities for people in Kano and Saudi Arabia can never be overemphasised, hence the need to continue to strengthen the relationship.
The Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Kano, Amb. Khalil Ahmed Admawi, said that the relations between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria had grown since diplomatic ties were established in 1961.
According to him, the relationship covered trade and investment, education, culture, religious affairs and humanitarian cooperation sectors.
He also highlighted developments under Saudi Vision 2030, including economic diversification, technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and digital government, as areas that could provide opportunities for international cooperation.