Posted by Godswill Akpabio, president of the senate, has asked the Saudi government to share intelligence with Nigeria so that the country can combat transnational terrorism and insurgency.
The Nigerian government is prepared to collaborate with the Saudi Arabian administration, according to Akpabio.
This courtesy call was made by Akpabio on Thursday as he was hosting members of the Saudi Arabia/Nigerian Parliamentary Friendship Group, who were led by Dr. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Salamah.
“I am pleased to have you here today in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, according to a statement issued by Mr. Jackson Udom, the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President. It is with great pleasure that we welcome you here. Since 1961, the diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria have been extremely robust.
When it comes to national security, Nigeria could use a lot more help from the Saudi Arabian government. Intelligence sharing is the key to overcoming insecurity and transnational terrorism, and I can guarantee you that the Nigerian security apparatus is also prepared to work with you.
“If you could have provided intelligence that would have helped in the fight against insurgency, we could all live in peace and safety today; after all, insecurity anywhere is insecurity everywhere,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio continued by saying, “Our relationship today has gone beyond pilgrimages and oil because Nigerians are now studying and working in Saudi Arabia in various spheres of human endeavours.” This means that the relationship has expanded beyond only oil and pilgrimages. In particular, the aviation industry has benefited greatly from the strong economic links between the two countries. I want to extend my congratulations to you and the Saudi government for the steady economic policies that have led to Saudi Arabia’s success.
The Saudi Arabian government’s Vision 3030, which aims to empower women and bring about a dramatic economic shift in the entertainment and tourist industries, was singled out by Akpabio for special praise.
You play a crucial strategic role in the Gulf of Guinea, and the stability of Saudi Arabia directly impacts the stability of the entire region. We must encourage our bilateral connection because anything you do for Nigeria benefits the entire black race, not just Nigeria.
I hope you’ll consider Nigeria a key economic partner in your pursuit of new alliances. You are invited to increase your investments in the oil and gas sector as well as in information and communication technology. “We would be delighted if you could work with OPEC; after all, by supporting OPEC, you are aiding Nigeria and the Black race in their fight against immigration,” he said.
Dr. Al-Salamah, the delegation’s leader, had earlier said that their visit to Nigeria and the Senate in particular was an effort to deepen the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two nations and to seek out new opportunities for cooperation and mutual aid.
Our purpose in meeting today is to discuss potential areas of future bilateral agreements-based collaboration. Among our most important strategic allies is Nigeria. Saudi Arabia regards Nigeria as a key partner. In particular, we take great pride in its culture, governance, and people. His statement was characterized by optimism about Nigeria’s future economic, political, and commercial success.