My visit to Qatar marks a historic moment of collaboration and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Qatar. Fruitful discussions with His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, pave the way for mutual growth in education, enterprise, youth empowerment, and more. Our commitment to leveraging the potential of our people for prosperity shines bright.
My visit to Qatar marks a historic moment of collaboration and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Qatar. Fruitful discussions with His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, pave the way for mutual growth in education, enterprise, youth empowerment, and more. Our commitment to leveraging the potential of our people for prosperity shines bright.
I think we should work harder towards creating a conducive environment, and then, encourage our many billionaires to invest more in Nigeria instead of looking for foreigners, whose primary interest is their profit taking. The reality us that no one will love us more than we love ourselves.
It's not about profit. The houses were built by the Qatar Charity Foundation, the charity and development arm of the Government of Qatar.
Many people in Borno were displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency. Peace has returned to some of those regions, but the people's houses were destroyed by the terrorists. The Borno State Government says that it doesn't want the people to live in tent camps, it wants them to live in their own homes, so it has partnered with Qatar Foundation to build houses for them.
Similarly in Kaduna, the Qatar Foundation is partnering with the Kaduna State Government to build houses for indigent people (the poor). It is also building an orphanage and investing in businesses that are owned by orphans.
Nigerian owned foundations like the Dangote Foundation and the BUA Foundation are also assisting state governments in such charity work.
Per @NGRPresident statement, #Nigeria and #Qatar today in Doha signed seven (7) agreements, at a ceremony presided over by President Tinubu and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar:
—Co-operation agreement in the field of education
—Regulation of employment of workers with the Government of Qatar
—Establishment of 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)
—Co-operation agreement in the field of youths and sports.
—Co-operation agreement in the field of tourism and business events
—Memorandum of Understanding combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
"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." — Emir @TamimBinHamad
PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES MULTI-SECTORAL AGREEMENTS WITH QATAR; SET TO RECEIVE QATAR'S INVESTMENT TEAM IN ABUJA
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on Sunday in Doha, witnessed the signing of historic agreements between both nations, opening a gateway for leveraging the potential of mutual cooperation in pivotal sectors of education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism, and sports.
Before the signing ceremony at the Qatar Presidential Palace, President Tinubu assured his host of Nigeria’s preparedness to welcome investors into the country, noting the ongoing reforms that favour innovation, return on investments, and multiculturalism.
"Our greatest strength is our people. Our strength lies in the capacity of Nigerian youths. They have energy, talent, and self-belief. They are quality partners for Qatari industry. They are educated and reliable, and they are proactively seeking to add value wherever they are. A few cannot give a bad name to the many. Nigerian youths are ready to be unleashed for the mutual benefit of both nations.
"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.
President Tinubu immediately named the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun as the team leader of the government team that will interface with Qatari authorities in investment identification and implementation moving forward.
Furthermore, during the bilateral deliberations, President Tinubu enabled a brief presentation to the Emir by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who spoke in detail about the high-grade of several minerals, including lithium, immediately derivable across the country with an emphasis on imminent opportunities for local mineral processing and value-additive industry in the sector.
The bilateral engagement was followed by a closed-door meeting between the two Heads of State before they proceeded to the signing ceremony for seven bilateral agreeements across multiple sectors.
The seven agreements signed are: cooperation agreement in the field of education; regulation of employment of workers with the Government of Qatar; establishment of 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); in addition to a cooperation agreement in the field of youths and sports.
The other agreements are: cooperation in the field of tourism and business events, and a memorandum of understanding combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The documents were signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and relevant officials in the Government of the State of Qatar, 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 (QCCI), and Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
Nigerian ministers who were present at the ceremony were: 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 the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo.
Also at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen.
The Qataris showed the parade from the rear, while the Nigerians showed it from the front, but what I really wanted was a video. Anyway, this is the Nigerian version.
Video: President Tinubu and his delegation also toured the Qatari Foundation.
The Qatar Foundation is responsible for promoting Qatar government humanitarian activities in other countries, including Nigeria.
The Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development is a state-led non-profit organisation in Qatar. The institution, which was founded in 1995 by the then Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his second wife Moza bint Nasser Al-Missne, has been linked to development of schools, houses and health facilities in several countries, including Nigeria.
The Foundation helped Nigeria with infrastructure including schools, residential houses and health facilities in states ravaged by insecurity.
Charge d'Affairs of Nigerian Embassy to QNA: Qatari-Nigerian Relations Constantly Evolving
03 March 2024
Doha, March 03 (QNA) - HE Charge d'Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy to the State of Qatar Rabiu Suleiman stressed the significance of HE President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu's official visit to the State of Qatar in enhancing bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE said that President Tinubu's visit to the State of Qatar is highly significant and historic, and affirms the Nigerian President's keenness to enhance and develop bilateral relations with the State of Qatar. The Charge d'Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar underlined that bilateral relations between Nigeria and Qatar have been cordial since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2013.
During the visit, HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will hold a session of talks with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE the Charge d'Affairs said, adding that the visit will witness the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements, along with the organization of the Qatar-Nigeria Business and Investment Forum.
The agreements and memoranda of understanding will cover several areas, including labor, trade, investment, youth and sports, double taxation avoidance, avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion, maritime and aviation transport, and other agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in vital areas for both countries.
HE Rabiu Suleiman stressed that these agreements and memoranda of understanding have the potential to positively strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Qatar, with technical experts from both sides are currently engaged in strategic bilateral meetings to achieve tangible results for the betterment of both countries.
He also highlighted the importance of mutual visits between the two countries' leaderships in strengthening relations and fostering joint cooperation, noting that HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubus current visit no doubt would promote relations between the two nations and advance areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
HE Charge d'Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy to the State of Qatar commended the State of Qatar's strategic roles in regional and world peace, noting that Nigeria and Qatar have also supported each other in various multilateral engagements, and these remarkable achievements are testimonies of the cordial relations between both countries. (QNA)
Qatar's Ambassador to Nigeria to QNA: Nigerian President's Visit to Doha Supports Future of Bilateral Relations
03 March 2024
Abuja, March 03 (QNA) - HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria Dr. Ali bin Ghanem Al Hajri said that the official visit of HE President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the State of Qatar is an important milestone that supports the future of the bilateral relations and their development in various fields.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE the Ambassador said that the visit of HE the President of Nigeria constitutes a significant and important step in the history of the Qatar-Nigeria relations, as it marks his first visit to Doha since assuming power in May 2023. The visit embodies the continuation of the cooperative and friendly relations established by the two countries for more than a decade, he added.
His Excellency stressed the importance of the visit in consolidating the existing bilateral relations and opening future horizons for cooperation in various fields, noting the remarkable development of the relations between the two countries, which were established in 2013.
The relations between Qatar and Nigeria have seen a remarkable development since their establishment, and were characterized by friendliness, cooperation and coordination on many international and regional issues in the economic and political fields, HE the Ambassador said.
The two countries will sign a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit spanning economy, investment, trade, tourism, law, culture, employment, education and higher education, and other vital areas of common benefit to both countries, His Excellency pointed out.
In conclusion of his statement, HE Qatar's Ambassador to Nigeria Dr. Ali bin Ghanem Al Hajri referred to the political, economic, and demographic weight of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the African continent, noting that it is one of the most important countries that enjoys regional and international influence in the continent, as evidenced by its active membership and decision-making role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), headquartered in the capital, Abuja. (QNA)
Investment drive: Nigeria, Qatar to sign eight agreements today
President Bola Tinubu yesterday kicked off his official engagements during the two day State Visit to the State of Qatar with a visit to the Museum in Doha.
President Tinubu had before his engagements met with key ministers and top government officials last Friday night. Those at the meeting called to strategise for engagement with the hosts included Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development; Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Trade and Investment; Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development and Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare.
The investment drive is on the sidelines of the State Visit at the invitation of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. Mohammed saad Al Rumaihi, the CEO of Qatar Museums and Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Thani, the Director of National Museum of Qatar, are two officials that met and conducted the Nigerian leader around the facilities.
The Museum, which was recently redesigned ahead of the 2022 FIFA world Cup, offers visitors access to a variety of materials used in Islamic art, including carpets and textiles, manuscripts, ceramics, wood, ivory, metalwork, stone and glass.
President Tinubu is expected to see pieces of materials dating back to the earliest Islamic period from the 20th century, spanning Spain and North Africa to the Far East.
The host is also expected to conduct his visitor to view the early Hijazi Quran fragments, the sitara of the Holy Kaaba, the Moroccan arch, a copy of al-Sufi’s treatise on the fixed stars, the Abbasid blue-and-white bowl, the Seljuq stucco panel, the Doha Hind and the post-Islamic Spanish ceiling.
Visit to the Museum, heralds other events and would culminate in the signing of agreements in eight areas today between Nigeria and the Qatari government.
From the Museum, President Tinubu will visit the Qatar Foundation responsible for promoting Qatar government humanitarian activities in other countries, including Nigeria.
The Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development is a state-led non-profit organisation in Qatar. The institution, which was founded in 1995 by the then Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his second wife Moza bint Nasser Al-Missne, has been linked to development of schools, houses and health facilities in several countries, including Nigeria.
The Foundation helped Nigeria with infrastructure including schools, residential houses and health facilities in states ravaged by insecurity.
President Tinubu will later present a trophy to the winner of a Longine organised horse competition in the company of his hosts.
Also today, President Tinubu will engage the business community and join his host at the Palace of the Emir of Qatar for the signing of agreements.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who is on the President’s entourage to Doha, and other Ministers who spoke with journalists, expressed deep appreciation to their host for providing the opportunities to engage with the Qatar investors and look forward to a rewarding experience.
He cited the areas of agriculture, particularly, livestock farming as one of the most important areas that Nigeria business community can benefit from. Sani noted that Nigeria’s solid minerals development plans will also get a boost as a result of the engagements, especially by the sub-national governments.
“The Qatar Foundation has only five months ago invested millions of dollars to support the under privileged people in Kaduna State, by building hundreds of houses, hospitals for the less privileged people.
Kaduna State is also looking at a strong partnership in the solid minerals sector as the state is blessed with lithium and gold. These, including the area of livestock development, are areas we can collaborate with the Qatar government,” Sani said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar, said Nigeria expects a strong partnership between the two countries going forward, as Qatar, which is the third largest gas producer, seeks to open up investment opportunities for the Nigerian business community.
“It will interest you to know that Qatar investors are in several countries in Africa, but not in Nigeria. “Nigeria and Qatar jointly have stakes in the future of gas, as the debate is on as to the future of gas in the energy transition plans,” he said.
Speaking on the benefits of the visit for MSMEs in Nigeria, Tuggar said the visit provides opportunities for the business community to further engage with their Qatar partners to explore a mutually beneficial relationship.
Minister of Youth Development, Ibrahim, on his part, expressed high hopes for the Nigerian youth as the Ministry was able to mobilise youths to Qatar on the President’s instructions to engage with their business community for mutual benefits.
“We are here with about 17 young entrepreneurs in our team to attend the Nigeria/ Qatar business summit and we are looking forward to securing cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and oil and gas,” he said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Al Shaqab ( Qatar’s Foundation equestrian center) as part of his current visit to Qatar.
During the visit, PBAT was briefed on Al Shaqab's high-quality facilities that are based on the highest equestrian standards.
PBAT attended the closing competition of the inaugural event of the Longines Global Champions Tour and the Global Champions League 2024 and crowned the first-place winners of the Grand Prix that was held at the Longines outdoor arena at Al Shaqab today.
Politics › Re: President Bola Tinubu Meets With The Emir Of Qatar. by naptu2(op): 5:36pm On Mar 03, 2024
