Historic agreements between the two countries were signed on Sunday in Doha, witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. These agreements open the door to utilizing the potential of mutual cooperation in key areas such as education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism, and sports.
President Tinubu informed his host prior to the signing ceremony at the Qatar Presidential Palace that Nigeria was ready to accept foreign investment, pointing to ongoing changes that support innovation, return on investment, and multiculturalism.
“Our people are our biggest asset. Our youth in Nigeria are our greatest asset. They are talented, full of enthusiasm, and confident. They are excellent business associates for the Qatari sector. They actively look to add value wherever they go, and they are trustworthy and well-educated. A few cannot bring disrepute upon the many. The youth of Nigeria are prepared to be released for the good of both countries.
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“The swift speed and comprehensive caliber of Qatar’s development process have been evident to us. It is hard not to be touched by what you have managed to achieve. The nation’s leadership has demonstrated its mettle, and our goal is to learn more.
“The return on investment that you will find in Nigeria is unmatched anywhere else in the world. a vast market of more than 200 million skilled Nigerians who are constantly willing and able to work.
“Although there is currently some short-term instability, the administration we have represents the energy and brilliance of the Nigerian people. We’re putting the proper solutions into practice. This group collaborates with our partners as well as one another. “Nigeria is prepared for significant business,” declared the President.
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, emphasized that Qatar is amenable to President Tinubu’s push for investment. He recalled that in 2019 Tinubu visited Nigeria because he considered that country to be a vital and strategic ally both on its own and in relation to its role in regional affairs.
“I am confident in the immense potential of the Nigerian populace. They are renowned for their diligence and intelligence everywhere in the world. All we have to do is make sure that this is taking place within Nigeria and not outside of it. Our global investments have proven to be quite profitable. This is a result of the fact that we research possibilities and take our time before investing the collective wealth of our people. My money is not in it. The funds we invest are owed to Qatar’s future generations.
“Mr. President, your deeds and your desire to provide new chances inspire me much. Now, follow-up is crucial, and we are quite receptive to this. We need to follow through, but the will is there for us both. The Qatari leader declared, “After Ramadan, I will send a team of officials to Nigeria, and we will advance discussions on what some of the actionable investment opportunities are.”
President Tinubu promptly designated Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, as the head of the government team that will deal with Qatari authorities in the future when it comes to identifying and implementing investments.
Additionally, as part of the bilateral discussions, President Tinubu allowed Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, to give a brief presentation to the Emir. Dr. Alake went into detail about the high-grade minerals, such as lithium, that are readily obtainable throughout the nation, emphasizing the impending opportunities for local mineral processing and value-added industries in the sector.
The two heads of state met behind closed doors after their bilateral interaction and then attended the signing ceremony for seven bilateral agreements spanning various industries.
The seven agreements that were signed include one on education cooperation, another on youth and sports cooperation, a joint business council (JBC) between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and regulations governing worker employment with the Government of Qatar.
The other agreements are a memorandum of understanding to combat the illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as collaboration in the areas of tourism and business events.
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI), Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, 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, and Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) all signed the documents.
The following Nigerian ministers were present at the ceremony: Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development; Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare; Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment; and Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas). Mr. Wale Edun is the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, and Mrs. Olu Verheijen, the special adviser on energy were also present during the meeting.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
