President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, presided over the signing of landmark agreements between Nigeria and Qatar in Doha on Sunday. These agreements signal a new era of collaboration spanning education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism, and sports.
President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s readiness to welcome investors, highlighting ongoing reforms that prioritize innovation, return on investments, and multiculturalism. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani affirmed Qatar’s openness to President Tinubu’s investment initiatives, citing Nigeria’s strategic importance and its role in regional affairs.
In response to the burgeoning collaboration, President Tinubu appointed Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, to lead the government team responsible for engaging with Qatari authorities on investment identification and implementation.
During bilateral talks, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, presented the vast potential of high-grade minerals, including lithium, across Nigeria, emphasizing opportunities for local mineral processing and value-additive industry.
The closed-door meeting between President Tinubu and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani preceded the signing of seven pivotal agreements across multiple sectors. These include cooperation in education, regulation of employment, establishment of a joint business council, collaboration in youths and sports, tourism and business events, and a memorandum of understanding combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The signing ceremony involved key officials, with Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar representing Nigeria and Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Dr. Ahmad Hassen Al-Hammadi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior representing Qatar.
Nigerian ministers present included Mr. Wale Edun, Dr. Dele Alake, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo, alongside National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Special Adviser on Energy Mrs. Olu Verheijen.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, announced these significant developments on March 3, 2024.
