President Bola Tinubu, during his visit to Doha, highlighted the value of Nigerian youths as educated, reliable, and proactive, dispelling negative perceptions.
The remarks came as seven significant agreements were signed between Nigeria and Qatar, covering education, employment regulations, a joint business council, youth and sports cooperation, tourism, business events, and combatting illicit trade in narcotics.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, showcased the collaborative efforts between the two nations.
Amidst the transfer speculations, President Tinubu assured the Qatari Emir of Nigeria’s openness to investors, citing ongoing reforms favoring innovation, return on investments, and multiculturalism.
President Tinubu expressed admiration for Qatar’s rapid development, commending its leadership. He emphasized the massive market of over 200 million skilled Nigerians and asserted that Nigeria, despite short-term turbulence, is ready for serious business.
The Emir of Qatar, open to President Tinubu’s investment push, acknowledged Nigeria’s importance and pledged to send Qatari officials to Abuja after Ramadan for further engagement. Coordinating Minister Wale Edun was appointed to lead the government team for investment discussions.
During bilateral talks, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development highlighted Nigeria’s abundant high-grade minerals, including lithium, emphasizing opportunities for local processing and value-additive industries.
Nigerian ministers present included Coordinating Minister 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 Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, also attended the meeting.
