An agreement designed to open new pathways for Nigerian and Saudi Arabian workers has been signed by the two nations.
It is the first workers’ recruitment agreement between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, opening the Middle East’s labor market to skilled professionals in the West African country across a wide range of sectors.
The deal, according to a statement made available to Business Post on Tuesday, represents a significant milestone in deepening cooperation between the two countries in the areas of labour mobility, skills development, and worker protection.
It aims to expand opportunities for Nigerian workers in Saudi Arabia while implementing measures to ensure fair and effective recruitment. It establishes a structured framework that protects the rights of both employers and workers, while regulating the contractual relationship between all parties.
Under the agreement, recruitment will be conducted exclusively through authorized and licensed channels, with an emphasis on transparency, compliance with applicable laws, and adherence to agreed standards governing employment terms, working conditions, and worker welfare.
It was signed on the sidelines of the Global Labor Market Conference 2026 in Riyadh by H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.
The deal aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen labour market governance and promote a safe and fair working environment, in support of Vision 2030 objectives to improve labour market efficiency and enhance protections across the labour market.