By Mustapha Salisu
The Kano State Government has expressed readiness to strengthen economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture, education, healthcare and human capital development.
The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, stated this on Wednesday while representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the 96th National Day celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Kano.
The event, organised by the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Kano, brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders and other dignitaries.
Garo said the state government was open to partnerships with Saudi institutions, businesses and development organisations to create economic opportunities and support development in Kano.
He said Kano’s longstanding position as a major commercial centre in northern Nigeria provided opportunities for partnerships capable of promoting investment, employment and skills development.
The Deputy Governor described the relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as one built on longstanding historical, religious, cultural and economic ties.
Garo identified trade, investment, agriculture, education, healthcare and human capital development as areas where cooperation could be further strengthened.
He added that renewable energy, industrial development and public infrastructure also offered opportunities for collaboration between the two sides.
Speaking earlier, the Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Kano, Amb. Khalil Ahmed Admawi, said relations between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria had continued to expand since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1961.
Admawi said the relationship covered trade and investment, education, culture, religious affairs and humanitarian cooperation.
He said the Consulate would continue efforts to strengthen the relationship, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where longstanding religious, cultural and historical ties have connected the people of both countries.
The Consul General also highlighted opportunities arising from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly in economic diversification, technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and digital government.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that, notable dignitaries who attended the event were Alhaji Kabiru Bature, Chairman of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, who represented the Katsina State Governor; Prof. Ahmad Shehu Galadanci of the Murshid Central Mosque, Abuja; and business leaders including Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata and Alhaji Alhamsad.
Members of the Kano State Executive Council, Special Advisers, diplomatic representatives from Lebanon, Pakistan, Benin Republic, France, Sudan, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as well as members of the Kano business community, also attended the event.