Saudi Arabia and Nigeria have signed their first bilateral agreement on recruiting general workers, establishing a formal labour corridor between Africa’s largest economy and the Middle East’s biggest labour market.

The deal marks a strategic shift in how Nigerian workers enter Gulf economies, transitioning from informal migration channels to a regulated, state-backed framework.

Signed on the sidelines of the Global Labour Market Conference 2026 in Riyadh, the agreement places Nigeria as a priority labour partner for Saudi Arabia as the kingdom accelerates workforce reforms under Vision 2030.

For Nigeria, it provides a large-scale employment outlet amid ongoing domestic job pressures.

The agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, and Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.

The initiative seeks to remove informal intermediaries, curb exploitation, and guarantee clear, enforceable contracts.

Under the arrangement, employment conditions such as pay, working hours, accommodation, and worker welfare will follow jointly agreed standards overseen by both governments.

Saudi Arabia is increasingly relying on foreign workers to meet rising demand in construction, services, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics as Vision 2030 mega-projects gather pace.

For Nigeria, the agreement arrives at a crucial time. Youth unemployment remains high, and remittances from Nigerians abroad continue to serve as a key source of foreign exchange.

By formalising labour migration to Saudi Arabia, the government hopes to safeguard workers while maximising the economic gains from overseas employment.