President Bola Tinubu highlighted the pivotal role of Nigeria’s youth in the country’s future during a significant event in Doha, where he, alongside His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, oversaw the signing of historic bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Qatar.
In a statement released by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, on Sunday, it was noted that these agreements aim to harness the potential for mutual cooperation across key sectors including education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism, and sports.
During the ceremony at the Qatar Presidential Palace, President Tinubu conveyed Nigeria’s readiness to open its doors to investors, emphasizing the country’s commitment to reforms that encourage innovation, ensure returns on investments, and support a multicultural environment.
He said, “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
His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, expressed his country’s receptiveness to President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to attract investments, highlighting a visit to Nigeria in 2019 as a testament to his conviction in Nigeria’s significance and strategic position in regional dynamics. The Emir underscored Qatar’s view of Nigeria as a vital ally, reflecting on the importance of strengthening ties and collaboration between the two nations.
He said, “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 commonwealth 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 Bola Tinubu took decisive steps to solidify the investment partnership with Qatar by appointing Mr. Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, as the head of the Nigerian government team tasked with engaging with Qatari authorities on investment identification and execution.
In addition, during the bilateral talks, President Tinubu facilitated a presentation by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to the Emir. Dr. Alake detailed the availability and high quality of various minerals in Nigeria, including lithium, highlighting the country’s potential for immediate mineral extraction. He also emphasized the opportunities available for establishing local mineral processing facilities and creating a value-added industry within the sector, underscoring Nigeria’s readiness to embark on mutually beneficial ventures with Qatar.
The statement said, “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 agreements 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.”