Kano State Government has expressed readiness to strengthen economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia in areas including trade, investment, agriculture, education, healthcare and human capital development.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, stated this while representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the 96th National Day celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Kano.
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The event, organised by the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Kano, brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and other distinguished guests.
The Deputy Governor said the state government was open to engagement with Saudi institutions, businesses and development partners to create economic opportunities and support sustainable development in Kano.
He highlighted Kano’s longstanding position as a major commercial centre in northern Nigeria, saying the state offered opportunities for partnerships in trade, investment, employment creation and skills development.
Alhaji Murtala Garo said the relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia was built on longstanding historical, cultural, religious and economic ties.
He noted that Kano had maintained centuries-old links with the Kingdom through Islamic scholarship, trade and cultural exchanges.
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The Deputy Governor identified agriculture, education and healthcare, among other sectors, as areas where stronger cooperation could be developed between Kano and Saudi institutions.
He also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian contributions, including the activities of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the Kingdom’s support in the successful separation and treatment of conjoined twins born in Kano.
Other areas highlighted for potential cooperation were renewable energy, industrial development, public infrastructure and investment.
The Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Kano, Ambassador Khalil Ahmed Admawi, said diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria had expanded since their establishment in 1961.
He said the relationship now covered trade and investment, education, culture, religious affairs and humanitarian cooperation, while Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 had opened additional areas for international partnerships.
The Consul General identified economic diversification, technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and digital government as areas offering opportunities for cooperation.
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The celebration was attended by government officials and business leaders, including representatives of Katsina State, members of the Kano State Executive Council, former Nigerian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia and members of the diplomatic corps from several countries.
The event also featured a traditional Saudi cultural dance, with the Deputy Governor, Saudi representatives and other dignitaries participating.