President Muhammadu Buhari told Saudi Arabia a good about Nigeria, hoping to boost trade, investment and economic cooperation, says his media aide Garba Shehu.

“So, I think the story of Nigeria has been well told by the president at this event, and we are hoping that the response will equally be quite impressive,’’ said Mr Shehu on Thursday when asked about the takeaway of the trip to Saudi Arabia.

He added, “It was for us to market Nigeria and make the most of these opportunities, and I think the president has done this so well – even the address he read. Look at all of the things he has said about how attractive Nigeria is in terms of investment and how much his administration is doing in order to overcome the challenges that are on the ground that had stood in the way of investment.”

According to him, the Nigerian delegation led by Mr Buhari discussed with the Saudis several issues, including the need for their countries to continue coordination in the fight against extremism and terrorism.

Mr Shehu further said on the Saudi Arabia trip, “For me, the most important one is…. you that this summit itself was co-summoned by the Saudis with over 5,200 participants and to have chosen President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria to deliver the keynote is in itself a major recognition for him and the Nigerian state.”

On the Umrah, Mr Shehu expressed hope Nigeria would win the favour of God in addressing its challenges.

Members of the president’s delegation included the Ministers of Trade, Industry and Investment, Communications and Digital Economy and ministers of State, Foreign Affairs, and Petroleum.

Others are the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Abubakar Rufa’i and business leaders, Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Wale Tinubu and Alhaji Dahiru Mangal.

Also commenting on the Riyadh investment summit, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, said the forum provided Nigeria with the opportunity to educate the world on the country’s abundant economic and business opportunities.

“It is always important for Nigeria to be in such an international forum such as this because it gives us an opportunity to tell our story,” said Mr Adebayo. “It gives us an opportunity to let the world know what we are doing and why we believe Nigeria is the best investment destination in Africa.”

(NAN)