Tinubu embarks on diplomatic mission to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

In a strategic move aimed at advancing Nigeria’s global standing and fostering foreign direct investment, President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the upcoming days. The mission, orchestrated by the President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, underscores the urgency and determination to promote Nigeria on the international stage.

During this visit, President Tinubu will participate in two pivotal summits—the Saudi-Africa Summit and the Arab-African Summit—scheduled to take place on November 10th and 11th, 2023, respectively. These gatherings are expected to serve as a platform for constructive dialogues on various matters of shared interest, encompassing economic partnerships, counterterrorism efforts, environmental concerns, and agricultural initiatives.

Notably, President Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), will play a pivotal role in advocating for the deepening of collaborations between these regions. The discussions will extend to the acceleration of trade and investment between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the entire African continent.

A major point of emphasis in these deliberations will be the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which promises to establish a unified market comprising over one billion Africans. As per the projections of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, this market could exceed $29 trillion by the year 2050. President Tinubu’s mission aims to position Nigeria to seize the vast opportunities arising from this agreement and secure the nation’s position in the evolving global economic landscape.