The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged closer diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with particular emphasis on educational exchange programmes.
Speaking in Abuja while receiving the new Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, Speaker Abbas noted that bilateral relations between both countries, which date back to 1961, are “extremely, very historic.”
The Speaker specifically called for scholarship opportunities for Nigerians through their representatives at the National Assembly, noting that members are direct representatives of their constituents.
He pointed out that such opportunities should also be channelled through Parliament, which has direct contact with Nigerians at the grassroots.
The Speaker recalled his visit to Algeria about six months ago, where it was agreed that scholarships offered to Nigeria by Algeria would be extended to both the Executive and Legislative arms of government.
He said, “We are happy to inform you that through that particular understanding, over 200 scholarship slots are in the process of being given to the Nigerian Parliament to also support their (members’) people at the grassroots.”
“So, we hope in the coming years or months of your being here in Nigeria, you will initiate the same kind of initiative, where support for education scholarships will not just be purely done at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but also at the parliamentary level, which is a separate arm of government that is more representative of the people.”
Speaker Abbas drew a comparison between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, noting that Nigeria has a large Muslim population while Saudi Arabia is regarded as a global centre of Islam. He also observed that both countries are major oil producers and regional powerhouses in their respective continents.
“So, I believe that cooperation and collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will make what I usually call a win-win for the two countries. It will be a mutually beneficial relationship that will benefit Saudi Arabia as well as Nigeria. Push for Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to have more economic, political, and social opportunities that will impact our two countries.”
He further said, “Our people have been relating with Saudi Arabia for over 800 years. That is why today, you find a lot of Nigerian-Saudis who were born and brought up maybe two to five generations by Nigerians living there. And most of them only know that they are from Nigeria, but they don’t even know which part of Nigeria or state they come from because of the distance, the long years of being part of Saudi society.”
He added, “So, we are really very happy with the way the Saudi Arabian Government has been accommodating Nigerians over the past centuries, particularly with the creation of our diplomatic relationship from as far back as 1961. Saudi Arabia remains one of the key countries in the world that Nigeria cherishes and is very supportive of, and it will continue to see bilateral relationships taking place because we have so many things in common.”
Ambassador Al-Balawi assured that he was ready to use all diplomatic means within his capacity to enhance relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
