Soliu Oyesiji
His Excellency Mr. Yousef bin Mohammed AlBalawi has officially assumed duty as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ambassador AlBalawi began his diplomatic mission with a pledge to strengthen bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, focusing on trade, education, religious cooperation and broader diplomatic relations.
He succeeds Faisal bin Ebraheem Alghamdi, who served as ambassador from 2021 to late 2024. During his tenure, Alghamdi facilitated Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims, promoted trade valued at over $600 million and expanded scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students.
On Tuesday, February 17, Ambassador AlBalawi presented copies of his letters of credence to Wahab Akande, Chief of Protocol at the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja, in accordance with diplomatic procedures.
The Chief of Protocol welcomed the new envoy and wished him a successful tenure. The development was announced on the embassy’s verified X handle on the same day.
