The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Mohammed Al Balawi, has suggested to the minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike the need for the two countries to start exchanging experiences on security, economy and urban development.
Ambassador Yousef Bin Mohammed Al Balawi, who paid a courtesy visit to minister Wike in his office in Abuja, said that he has been comfortable in Nigeria since he formally assumed duty in February, 2026 because of the hospitality of the people.
He suggested a deeper exchange of experience in security, economy and urban planning, saying: “I’m looking forward to strengthening our relationship in many fields—political, diplomatic, economic, security, and education.
“We need to work together to exchange our experience on how we can build beautiful, green and modern cities like Abuja through exchanges between Abuja and Riyadh (Saudi Federal Capital).”
Ambassador Yousef noted that major Saudi cities like Jeddah share similar atmospheric and planning potentials with Abuja, which he said provides a solid foundation for future bilateral cooperation between the two cities.
This was even as minister Wike accepted the Ambassador’s suggestions, saying that he is ready of to partner with Riyadh and other modern cities in the Kingdom to foster urban development and mutual economic growth.
He said that his administration is eager to translate the cordial ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia into tangible urban cooperation.
“Your coming today is for us to solidify and make sure that we work together for our mutual interest. Saudi Arabia is very important, not just as a leading city in the Gulf States but also in the world. We would like to capitalize on that good relationship to see how our cities can cooperate, learn from each other and see what we can do together for the mutual benefit of the two countries.”
