President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, oversaw the signing of pivotal agreements between their respective nations. The event, which took place in Doha on Sunday, signifies a key turning point for both countries, with the agreements spanning numerous sectors such as education, business development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism, and sports.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, provided an overview of the historic event, underlining the extensive cooperation that the agreements encompass. These advancements are poised to create new pathways for reciprocal benefits, nurturing a more profound partnership between Nigeria and Qatar.
In the discussions at the Qatar Presidential Palace prior to the signing ceremony, Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s willingness to welcome Qatari investors, underscoring the nation’s ongoing reforms aimed at fostering innovation, guaranteeing profitable returns on investments, and embracing multiculturalism.
The President’s statement highlighted, “Our most significant asset is our people, particularly the potential of Nigerian youths. They are energetic, talented, and confident. They are valuable collaborators for the Qatari industry. They are educated, dependable, and actively seeking to contribute wherever they are. A minority cannot tarnish the reputation of the majority. Nigerian youths are prepared to be mobilized for the mutual advantage of both nations.
“We have been deeply impressed by the swift and comprehensive quality of Qatar’s development process. The country’s leadership has demonstrated its prowess, and we are here to gain a deeper understanding. There is no place in the world where you will find a return on investment comparable to what you will see in Nigeria. A vast market of over 200 million skilled Nigerians, always industrious and ready to work.
“We are currently experiencing some short-term instability, but our government today mirrors the dynamism and talent of the Nigerian people. We are implementing the appropriate solutions. This team collaborates with each other and our partners. Nigeria is prepared for serious business,” the President declared.
His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, stressed that Qatar is receptive to Tinubu’s investment drive. He recalled his 2019 visit to Nigeria, motivated by his conviction that Nigeria is a crucial and strategic ally both independently and within the framework of its role in regional affairs.
The Qatari leader stated, “I am certain about the immense capability of the Nigerian people. They are globally recognized for their intelligence and diligence. We only need to ensure that this is happening within Nigeria rather than outside. Our investments worldwide have been very successful. This is because we take our time and study opportunities before we invest the common wealth of our people. The money we invest belongs to the future generations of Qatar.
“Mr. President, your actions and your enthusiasm to create new opportunities have greatly encouraged me. We are very open to this, and follow-up is crucial at this point. The will exists for both of us, but we must follow up. I will dispatch a team of officials to Nigeria after Ramadan, and we will progress discussions on what some of the actionable investment opportunities are,” the Qatari leader said.
Tinubu promptly appointed the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, as the team leader of the government team that will liaise with Qatari authorities in identifying and implementing investment opportunities moving forward.
Furthermore, during bilateral deliberations, President Tinubu facilitated a presentation by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasizing the country’s rich mineral resources and opportunities for local processing and value addition.
The bilateral engagement culminated in the signing of seven agreements across multiple sectors, including education, employment regulation, establishment of a joint business council, youth and sports cooperation, tourism, business events, and combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The agreements were signed by Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and relevant Qatari officials. Nigerian ministers present at the ceremony included Mr. Wale Edun, Dr. Dele Alake, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo, along with National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Special Adviser on Energy Mrs. Olu Verheijen.
