Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have strengthened bilateral cooperation in geoscience and tourism development through the signing of a Partnership Framework for Cooperation on Geoparks Mentoring, Technical Exchange and Creative Geotourism Promotion.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh between Ghamra Camp, North Riyadh UNESCO Global Geopark, and Zuma Rock Resort Aspiring Geopark / Royal Institute, Nigeria, marking a significant step in advancing geopark diplomacy between the two countries.
The signing was witnessed on behalf of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, as part of the Minister’s official engagements at the Forum.
The collaboration was facilitated by the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme Nigeria National Committee (IGGP-NNC), led by Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) serving as Secretariat.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Dr. Isyaku said the initiative alignes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasizes sustainable resource development and environmental stewardship.
According to him, the partnership reflects the Minister’s commitment to balancing the development of Nigeria’s extractive minerals sector with the protection of the country’s outstanding geoheritage, positioning the sites for transformation into geoparks and geotourism destinations.
The framework establishes a practical, non-bureaucratic platform for mentorship, technical exchange, creative geotourism development, and mutual promotion.
Dr. Isyaku also noted that it would allow Saudi Arabia’s advanced experience in geopark development to support Nigeria’s emerging geopark initiatives, while opening new opportunities in culture, digital content creation, skills development, and destination branding.
Both countries also acknowledged the historic under-representation of their regions in the global geoparks movement and commended Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the development of UNESCO Global Geoparks as a model for West Africa.
The partnership is expected to strengthen people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia while unlocking sustainable economic opportunities anchored in geoheritage conservation, education, innovation, and tourism development.
