President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a productive two-day official visit to the State of Qatar. His presidential jet, NAF 001, touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 7 pm.
This marks his 12th foreign trip since assuming the Presidency nine months ago, accumulating a total of 75 days abroad.
Upon his arrival, President Tinubu was warmly received by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Abdullahi Ganduje, and Director-General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi, among others.
During the visit, President Tinubu emphasized the significance of accurately documenting a nation’s history, cultural evolution, and challenges while touring Qatar’s National Museum on the first day. He expressed his appreciation for the preservation of culture, collaborations, and the perseverance of leadership throughout history.
On the second day, President Tinubu engaged in closed-door talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Presidential Palace in Doha. Following the discussions, seven landmark agreements were signed between Nigeria and Qatar. These agreements covered areas such as education, regulation of employment of workers, establishment of a joint business council, and cooperation in the field of youth and sports.
The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Education and Higher Education Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmad Hassen Al-Hammadi, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al Thani, and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab Al Kaabi.
President Tinubu further presided over the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum, where he urged Qatari captains of industry not to engage in bribery when dealing with Nigerian officials. He assured them that his administration is committed to eradicating corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder the ease of doing business in Nigeria. The President emphasized Nigeria’s readiness for serious business and pledged to remove all obstacles that impede profitable and legitimate enterprise.
Qatar marks the third Gulf state visited by President Tinubu since assuming office and his 16th foreign destination overall. His previous visits include Paris (France), London (United Kingdom), Bissau (Guinea-Bissau), Nairobi (Kenya), Porto Norvo (Benin Republic), New Delhi (India), Abu Dhabi and Dubai (United Arab Emirates), New York (United States of America), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Berlin (Germany), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).
President Tinubu’s engagement with international partners demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to fostering bilateral relationships, attracting investments, and promoting economic growth.