The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for stronger diplomatic and educational ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, with particular emphasis on scholarship opportunities and parliamentary collaboration.
Speaker Abbas made the call while hosting the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, in Abuja.
He described the diplomatic relationship between both countries, established in 1961, as historic and mutually beneficial, stressing the need to deepen cooperation in education, economy, politics, and social development.
The Speaker commended the Saudi government for its longstanding support to Nigerian students through scholarship programmes, noting that many prominent Islamic scholars and clerics in Nigeria benefited from educational opportunities provided by Saudi Arabia over the years.
Abbas urged the Saudi government to consider extending scholarship opportunities through the National Assembly, arguing that lawmakers maintain direct contact with constituents at the grassroots.
According to him, such collaboration would ensure that more Nigerians benefit from educational opportunities beyond the executive arm of government.
The Speaker referenced a similar arrangement recently reached with Algeria, under which over 200 scholarship slots are being processed for members of the Nigerian Parliament to support their constituents.
He expressed optimism that Saudi Arabia would adopt a similar model to strengthen people-oriented cooperation between both nations.
Speaker Abbas also highlighted the long-standing cultural and religious ties between Nigerians and Saudi Arabia, noting that interactions between the two peoples date back several centuries.
He stated that many Nigerians have lived in Saudi Arabia for generations, contributing to the enduring relationship between both countries.
The Speaker further noted that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia share several strategic similarities, including their positions as major oil-producing nations and influential regional powers in Africa and the Middle East respectively.
According to him, enhanced collaboration between both countries would create mutually beneficial opportunities capable of advancing development and strengthening bilateral relations.
Earlier, Ambassador Al-Balawi said his visit was aimed at exploring areas of deeper cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The envoy assured the Speaker of his commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and promoting greater engagement between the two countries during his tenure in Nigeria.