President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after concluding a two-day official visit to the State of Qatar. The presidential jet, NAF 001, touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 7 pm, marking the end of his 12th foreign trip within the nine months of his presidency, totaling 75 days abroad.
Upon arrival, President Tinubu was warmly received by prominent 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 the Director-General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi, among others.
During his visit to Qatar, the Nigerian leader emphasized the significance of accurately documenting a nation’s history, cultural evolution, and challenges during a tour of Qatar’s National Museum on the first day. Tinubu commended the museum for preserving the culture of civilization, collaborations, challenges, and the perseverance of leadership.
On the second day, President Tinubu, alongside the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, oversaw the signing of seven pivotal agreements between the two nations. The agreements covered areas such as education, employment regulations, joint business councils, youth and sports cooperation, tourism, business events, and the combatting of illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The signing ceremony, held after closed-door talks at the Presidential Palace in Doha, saw the involvement of key officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and Qatar’s Minister of Education and Higher Education Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi.
Furthermore, President Tinubu presided over the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum, urging Qatari business leaders to report any instances of bribery from Nigerian officials. He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and corruption, pledging decisive action against entrenched interests that undermine investor confidence.
President Tinubu assured the international business community that Nigeria is prepared for serious business, vowing to remove obstacles hindering profitable and legitimate enterprises. Qatar marked the 16th foreign destination for President Tinubu, following visits to various countries, including Paris, London, Nairobi, Abu Dhabi, New York, Riyadh, Berlin, and Addis Ababa.
