ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has expressed readiness of his country to deepen strategic partnerships with Qatar, particularly in agriculture and food security, as he hailed new investment initiatives by Qatari companies.
Speaking at the State House on Friday during a courtesy visit by Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, special envoy of the Amir of Qatar, President Tinubu assured that Nigeria remains open to mutually beneficial collaborations that promote economic growth and stability.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President
(Information/Strategy), Bayo Onanuga released on his X account on Friday.
Dr. Al-Khulaifi, who also serves as Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, conveyed the Amir’s strong interest in expanding bilateral cooperation. He announced that a high-level Qatari business delegation will visit Nigeria in the coming weeks to explore investment opportunities in agriculture, food security, and petrochemicals.
President Tinubu highlighted the positive outcomes of his 2024 state visit to Qatar and pledged to ensure the full implementation of the agreements signed. He tasked the ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Information and National Orientation, and Foreign Affairs with driving timely execution of bilateral commitments.
“We are grateful to God for what we have experienced as partners in progress. I am also glad that the Amir of Qatar greatly remembers the issues discussed during my visit last year,” Tinubu said. “We are willing to go further in our bilateral relations.”
Commending Qatar’s contributions to global peace and development, the President noted the shared challenges both nations face, including terrorism and regional instability. He said Qatar’s mature and foresighted diplomacy deserves recognition.
“We are proud of your efforts to bring peace and stability to the world. Like you, we are committed to helping our neighbors and know who our true friends are,” he added.
President Tinubu also emphasized ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s tax system, aimed at creating a more investor-friendly environment. “Our reforms have been tough, but we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
Dr. Al-Khulaifi reiterated the Amir’s desire to position Nigeria as Qatar’s strategic partner in Africa. He noted that Qatar values not just government-level cooperation, but also stronger people-to-people ties.
“We are proud of the level of relations we have reached with Nigeria. There is a lot we can do together in agriculture, food, and petrochemicals,” he said, adding that Qatari companies are eager to invest in Nigeria.
He affirmed Qatar’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria on peace-building, economic growth, and humanitarian support.
