The trade volume between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia has exceeded $600 million.

Saudi Arabia’s Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Saad Fahad Almarri, yesterday said that Saudi Arabia and Nigeria were strengthening partnerships in trade as shown by the rising bilateral trades between the countries, which currently stand above $600 million.

He said the countries were also working together to combat drug trafficking while hundreds of Nigerian students have benefited from scholarships offered by Saudi institutions.

Almarri spoke during the Kingdom’s 95th National Day, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria.

According to him, the commemoration not only marked nearly a century since King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud unified the Kingdom but also reflected on the nation’s steady journey of growth and development.

Almarri highlighted Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of its Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and a dynamic nation.

He noted that ties between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria continue to expand across several sectors, including trade, education, and joint efforts in tackling drug trafficking.

The envoy also conveyed the Kingdom’s gratitude to Nigeria’s government and people for their longstanding partnership, stressing both nations’ shared determination to broaden cooperation and integration.

Almarri further pointed to Riyadh’s successful bid to host Expo 2030 under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow,” describing it as evidence of Saudi Arabia’s growing international influence and capacity to stage major global events.

The celebration drew senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, and business leaders.

Nsibidi Institute’s inaugural festival begins (brief, at bottom)

Nsibidi Institute, a Lagos-based research and cultural organisation, is hosting a three-day festival of symposium, exhibition and film screening to showcase the dynamic trends of the Nigerian creative industry.

The 2025 inaugural festival on Nigerian popular culture, with the theme: “The Past in the Present Around us, a retrospective celebration of Nigerian Popular Culture,” begins today and will end on in September 28, 2025. The fair is taking place at Quintessence, 285, Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, starting from noon.

Director, Nsibidi Institute, Mr. Ed Keazor said participants would partake in a symposium, exhibition, film screening and photo exhibition among others.

He said: “The festival looks to explore the strong affinities between Nigerian contemporary and historical popular cultures, the objective is to demonstrate the vibrant continuity of our social history. We shall explore this through film, photo and art exhibitions, performance and interactive conversations”.

He added that the opening day keynote address titled, “Heritage and Future in the Past” would be delivered by Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Ojinnaka Obi Asika.

According to him, a symposium titled, “ The Nigerian popular press: A driver of Heritage and social culture” would be moderated by Aduke Gomez with panelists that include Jahman Anikulapo, Don Adinuba, Freda Olatunbosun and Micheal Effiong James.

Part of the exhibition for the opening day is on the first century newspaper advertising (1863-1963) and film screening based on Lagos: the birth of a city style (1861-1967) by Muni and Ed Keazor.

Rule and Social Impact” will be the center of book discussion. The author of the book, Major-General Tunde Akinkunmi (RtD), will be in conversation with Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson SAN.’

In the evening of the opening day, there will be a celebration of Don Barber, “A life Behind the Lens”. Don Berber will lead the conversation and will be moderated by Dayo Adedayo.

According to the programme, the second day of the event will be taking place at Didi Museum, 175 Akin Adeshola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

On the closing day, there will be awards and recognitions among other activities highlighted to mark the 2025 festival by Nsibidi Institute a success. The closing day ceremony will also take place at Quintessence, 285, Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos by 12 noon.

The Nsibidi Institute is an independent research and cultural organisation based in Lagos, Nigeria. Its work centers on preserving, exploring, and reimagining indigenous knowledge systems, particularly those rooted in Nigerian history, language, and identity.