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President Bola Tinubu has welcomed new investment initiatives from the State of Qatar, particularly in the agricultural sector.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and implementing existing agreements between both countries.
The President made this known on Friday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, a special envoy from the Amir of Qatar and the country’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
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Al-Khulaifi conveyed the Amir’s strong interest in expanding cooperation with Nigeria, disclosing that a high-level Qatari business delegation will visit the country in the coming weeks to explore investment opportunities in agriculture, food security, and other priority sectors.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the growing partnership between the two nations, recalling the outcomes of his state visit to Qatar in 2024.
He assured that Nigeria is prepared to build on the progress made, and directed key ministers —Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation), and Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs) — to ensure swift implementation of the bilateral agreements.
“We are grateful to God for what we have experienced as partners in progress,” Tinubu said.
“I am glad the Amir of Qatar recalls the issues discussed during my visit last year. Let me commend the brotherly relations between Qatar and Nigeria. We are willing to strengthen our bilateral ties.”
The President also praised Qatar’s global peacebuilding efforts and expressed Nigeria’s desire to collaborate further in areas of mutual concern.
“I am proud of your efforts to bring peace and stability to the world. Like you, we are confronting terrorism while helping our neighbours. We recognise our true friends and appreciate those supporting us to tackle these challenges,” he stated.
Tinubu highlighted ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s tax system aimed at making the country more investor-friendly.
He acknowledged the difficulties in implementing tough economic decisions but insisted they were necessary for long-term growth.
“We are reforming our tax system to encourage investment. The process has been tough, but we are seeing signs of progress. You won’t find a better partner than Nigeria. We want to work with Qatar in fighting poverty and promoting human development,” he said.
The President added that the partnership between Nigeria and Qatar should focus on food sovereignty and economic prosperity, stressing the importance of peace as a foundation for development.
However, Al-Khulaifi said the Amir of Qatar is committed to strengthening ties with Nigeria in strategic sectors such as agriculture, petrochemicals, and peacebuilding.
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“We are proud of the level of relations we have reached with Nigeria — not just government to government, but also people to people,” he noted.
“Our ambassador is closely monitoring the projects, and we have Qatari companies eager to explore opportunities in Nigeria.”
He added that the Amir views Nigeria as a key strategic partner in Africa, and reiterated plans to send a business delegation to further cement economic cooperation.
