In a positive development aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, President Bola Tinubu has expressed strong support for new initiatives from Qatari investors. During a meeting at the State House on Friday, the President received Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, a special envoy from the Amir of the State of Qatar, who communicated the Amir’s keen interest in fostering bilateral cooperation.
Dr. Al-Khulaifi, who serves as Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, announced that a high-level Qatari business delegation is set to visit Nigeria in the coming weeks. The delegation aims to explore opportunities in agriculture, food security, and other vital sectors, marking a significant step in strengthening the two countries’ economic ties.
President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to building on the momentum generated by his state visit to Qatar in 2024, assuring that all bilateral agreements between the two nations would be implemented effectively. He directed key ministers, including Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Minister of Budget and Economic Planning), Mohammed Idris (Minister of Information and National Orientation), and Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Minister of Foreign Affairs), to collaborate on the timely execution of these agreements.
The President expressed gratitude to the Qatari delegation, acknowledging the strong relationship between Nigeria and Qatar. “I am also glad that the Amir of Qatar greatly remembers the issues discussed during my visit last year. We are willing to go further in our bilateral relations,” he stated.
Tinubu lauded Qatar’s contributions to global peace and stability, highlighting the shared challenges of terrorism that both nations face. “I see your efforts in human development, peace, and prosperity. We are conscious of who is our friend and those helping us to ameliorate the problems,” he added.
With ongoing tax reforms in Nigeria aimed at easing the business environment for foreign investors, President Tinubu underscored the nation’s readiness to adapt and modernize. “You can’t find a better partner than Nigeria. We are gradually seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” he remarked, urging Qatar to play a more significant role in combating poverty in Nigeria.
Emphasizing the importance of food sovereignty and economic prosperity, the President stated, “We want to continue to promote good relations with you. There can be no development without peace.”
Dr. Al-Khulaifi conveyed the Amir of Qatar’s desire to strengthen strategic partnerships with Nigeria, focusing particularly on peace-building, agriculture, and the petrochemical sectors. He expressed pride in the current level of relations and anticipation for expanded collaboration.
“Our Ambassador has been following up on projects. We have much to do together in agriculture, food, and petrochemicals,” he asserted, indicating the intent of several Qatari companies to visit Nigeria for investment discussions.
As both leaders exchanged views on enhancing cooperation, it was clear that the path ahead is marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a pivotal partner in Africa.