Tinubu urges Qatar to help Nigeria’s combat in opposition to poverty, welcomes investments in agriculture, others 

President Bola Tinubu has referred to as on the State of Qatar to deepen its strategic partnership with Nigeria by supporting efforts to eradicate poverty by way of investments in key sectors equivalent to agriculture, meals safety, and petrochemicals.

The President made the decision on Friday on the Presidential Villa in Abuja whereas receiving Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, a particular envoy from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar.

Based on an announcement by the Particular Adviser to the President on Data and Technique, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu stated, “You’ll be able to’t discover a higher associate than Nigeria. I all the time observe the worldwide points and your efforts. You must do extra in Nigeria to assist combat poverty within the humanitarian space. You have got finished properly in growing a knowledge-based economic system in Qatar, however what about Nigeria?”

The President welcomed Qatar’s renewed curiosity in Nigeria and emphasised the nation’s readiness to observe by way of on all beforehand signed bilateral agreements, particularly these initiated throughout his official go to to Qatar earlier in 2024.

“Let me commend the brotherly relations between Qatar and Nigeria. The Ambassador is aware of that I take Qatar very critically. We’re prepared to go additional in our bilateral relations,” the President stated.

Dr. Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Overseas Affairs, conveyed the Amir’s message, expressing sturdy curiosity in strengthening cooperation with Nigeria. He revealed {that a} high-powered enterprise delegation from Qatar will likely be visiting Nigeria within the coming weeks to discover alternatives throughout agriculture, meals safety, and petrochemicals.

“We’re happy with the extent of relations we’ve reached with Nigeria. I’m very impressed with our partnership with the nation, which isn’t simply government-to-government but in addition people-to-people,” Al-Khulaifi famous.

He added that the Qatari envoy’s go to is a part of a broader technique to deepen cooperation throughout Africa, the place Qatar is more and more partaking in peace-building and funding diplomacy.

Tax reforms: We’re step by step seeing the sunshine on the finish of the tunnel – Tinubu 

President Tinubu famous that current fiscal and financial reforms, significantly within the space of taxation, are focused at making a extra investor-friendly surroundings for each native and worldwide companies.

“We’re making efforts to reform our tax system. Going by experiences of the previous and the necessity to depart from outdated methods, our reforms have been arduous. I made powerful choices in order that we may develop. We’re step by step seeing the sunshine on the finish of the tunnel,” Tinubu said.

In his remarks, the President urged the Qatari authorities and personal sector to extend their direct investments in Nigeria, particularly in crucial sectors equivalent to agriculture and petrochemicals.

To make sure the well timed execution of all bilateral agreements with Qatar, President Tinubu directed key cupboard members—together with the Minister of Funds and Financial Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Overseas Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Mohammed Idris—to work collaboratively on follow-up actions.

Qatar’s Dedication 

Dr. Al-Khulaifi affirmed the Amir’s private curiosity in Nigeria, describing it as a “strategic associate in Africa.” He emphasised that Qatar’s focus will embody peace-building efforts and investments that foster mutual prosperity.

“Our Ambassador has been following up with the tasks. Now we have a lot to do collectively in agriculture, meals, and petrochemicals. Now we have some corporations telling us that we should always create a manner for them to return into Nigeria,” he stated.

Dr. Al-Khulaifi, who performs a central function in Qatar’s mediation efforts in Africa and the Center East, added that Nigeria stays a key participant in regional peace and financial integration.

What You Ought to Know 

Nigeria and Qatar have strengthened bilateral relations following President Tinubu’s state go to to Doha in early 2024.

• Qatar is specializing in Nigeria as a strategic hub for funding in Africa, significantly in agriculture, meals safety, and vitality.
• President Tinubu is pushing for broader partnerships that help Nigeria’s anti-poverty agenda and financial reforms.