Vice-President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the Islamic Development Bank Group chair, Muhammad-Sulaiman Al-Jasser, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 20.

This was announced in a statement on Monday. The statement explained that discussions between Messrs Shettima and Al-Jasser would centre on co-financing arrangements for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ Phase II).

”This is with a view to enhancing coordination of IsDB projects in Nigeria to support the country’s agricultural and economic development,” said the statement.

It added that Mr Shettima had departed Dubai for Saudi Arabia following his representation of President Bola Tinubu at the commissioning of a $315 million oil production and storage facility owned by Oriental Energy Ltd.

”He was seen off at the airport by the executive chairman of OERL, Muhammadu Indimi; the executive vice chairman of OERL, Goni Sheikh; and many others.

”Following the Dubai event, the vice president will proceed to perform the lesser hajj (Umrah) in the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah from December 16 to 19,” it said.

Mr Shettima landed at the Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina, Saudi Arabia. On arrival, the vice-president was received by Abdulmohsen Bin Hamed, the deputy governor of Madina Region, along with Nigerian diplomatic officials, including the consul general of Jeddah, Mu’azzam Nayaya.

”While in Medina, Shettima will visit the Holy Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad and other holy sites before proceeding to Mecca, where he will perform the lesser hajj,” the statement added.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno accompanied Mr Shettima to Saudi Arabia. 

(NAN)