President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Highness, go Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, oversaw the signing of historic agreements between both nations in Doha on Sunday.
These agreements pave the way for enhanced cooperation in key sectors such as education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism, and sports.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, highlighted President Tinubu’s assurance of Nigeria’s readiness to welcome investors, citing ongoing reforms favoring innovation, investment returns, and multiculturalism.
Tinubu emphasized the potential of Nigerian youths as reliable partners for Qatari industries, expressing confidence in their energy, talent, and dedication to mutual benefit.
President Tinubu appointed Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, as the leader of the government team tasked with engaging Qatari authorities in investment identification and implementation.
During bilateral discussions, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, presented details on Nigeria’s high-grade minerals, including lithium, and highlighted opportunities for local mineral processing and value-additive industry development.
The signing ceremony witnessed the execution of seven bilateral agreements spanning education, employment regulation, joint business council establishment, youth and sports cooperation, tourism, business events, and combating illicit trade in narcotics and psychotropic substances.
Signatories included Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and relevant Qatari officials. Nigerian ministers present included Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo.
Other attendees included National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, underscoring the importance of the agreements and the commitment of both nations to foster deeper collaboration across various sectors.
“We have seen clearly the rapid pace and thorough quality of Qatar’s development process. It is impossible not to be moved by what you have accomplished. The leadership in the country has proven its mettle, and we are here to gain deeper insight.
“There is nowhere in the world where you will find return on investment at the level of what you will see in Nigeria. A massive market of over 200 million skilled Nigerians, always industrious and ready to work.
“We face some short-term turbulence at the moment, but we have a government today that reflects the dynamism and talent of the Nigerian people. We are implementing the right solutions. This team works collaboratively with each other and our partners. Nigeria is ready for serious business,” the President stated.
The Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized that Qatar is open to President Tinubu’s investment push, recalling that he traveled to Nigeria in 2019 owing to his belief that Nigeria is an important and strategic ally on its own and within the context of its role in regional affairs.
“I have no doubt about the great capacity of the Nigerian people. Everywhere in the world, they are known for their brilliance and hard work. We only need to ensure that this is happening inside of Nigeria rather than outside. The investments we have made around the world have been very fruitful. This is because we take our time and study opportunities before we invest the common wealth of our people. It is not my money. The money we invest belongs to the future generations of Qatar.
“Mr. President, I am very encouraged by your actions and your passion to create new opportunities. We are very open to this, and follow-up is everything at this point. The will is there for both of us, but we must follow up. I will send a team of officials to Nigeria after Ramadan, and we will advance discussions on what some of the actionable investment opportunities are,” the Qatari leader said.