Darma, Saudi Ambassador Explore Strategic Partnership in Housing Development
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, on Wednesday, received Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Muhammad Al-Balawi, during which they held strategic discussion on partnership in the area of housing infrastructure and investment.
A statement issued by Badamasi Haiba, Director Information in the ministry said that the discussion also centered on the forthcoming Riyadh Real Estate Future Forum (RFF), scheduled for January next year
Darma expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s interest in collaborating with Nigeria in the development of the housing sector, describing Nigeria as the largest country in Africa with enormous housing and infrastructure development needs
He stressed that strategic international partnerships remain essential to achieving the Federal Government’s housing objectives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At the meeting, discussions was also on deepening cooperation between the two countries in the areas of their common interests, as well as attracting Saudi developers into the Nigeria’s housing markets
The visit underscored the shared commitment of both countries to fostering strategic partnerships that will accelerate housing delivery, promote investment, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the long-standing diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Minister Darma emphasized that with Nigeria’s significant housing deficit, collaboration with countries that have demonstrated excellence in large-scale housing delivery, such as Saudi Arabia, will contribute immensely to making the government’s vision of decent and affordable housing for all Nigerians a reality.
On his part, the Saudi Ambassador reaffirmed the readiness of the Kingdom to partner with Nigeria in addressing the nation’s housing needs. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s remarkable achievements in housing development through its National Housing Company, a government-backed institution responsible for delivering large-scale housing projects across the Kingdom.
According to the envoy, Saudi Arabia is willing to share its expertise, technical knowledge, and best practices with Nigeria to support the Federal Government’s efforts to bridge the country’s housing deficit. He added that the proposed collaboration could also create opportunities for qualified Nigerian professionals and skilled workers to participate in housing and construction projects in Saudi Arabia, thereby promoting knowledge transfer and employment.
The Ambassador further expressed the commitment of the Kingdom to deepening diplomatic and economic ties with Nigeria, noting that Saudi Arabia looks forward to expanding areas of cooperation and warmly welcomes the establishment of a stronger Nigerian diplomatic presence in the Kingdom.
