The bilateral ties between Qatar and Nigeria are cordial and there is a convergence of views on many international and regional issues. The relations have strengthened since the opening of their embassies in 2013, a step that paved the way for building bridges of communication and cooperation. The two nations have demonstrated determination to consolidate ties.
In February 2016, Nigeria’s former President H E Muhammadu Buhari paid a visit to Doha that witnessed the signing of several agreements, while Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Nigeria in April 2019 as a sign of growing bilateral relations. The ties saw a further boost in March 2022 with the two sides holding the Qatar-Nigeria Economic Forum in Lagos, an event that discussed areas of economic cooperation. It offered an opportunity for the two nations to start future partnerships between leading private sector institutions in Nigeria and Qatar. The visit of Nigerian President H E Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Qatar is a milestone in bilateral relations and will open new horizons of cooperation.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held talks with H E Tinubu yesterday. The talks focused on enhancing ties in trade, economy, investment, energy and education.
The two sides signed an agreement to establish the businessmen council, an MoU between Qatar Chamber and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, an agreement on regulating manpower, an MoU on cooperation in youth and sports, an MoU for cooperation in tourism and business events and an MoU for cooperation between the ministries of interior of the two countries.
Meanwhile, First Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari met recently with President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture Dele Kelvin Oye and the accompanying delegation. The meeting discussed cooperation between the Chamber and the Association to benefit the businesses in the two countries. The discussions covered investment opportunities in Qatar and Nigeria. Nigeria offers a favourable investment climate with opportunities across various sectors in which Qatari investors can establish businesses. The delegation’s visit aimed at familiarising Qatari businesses with Nigeria’s investment landscape and showcasing investment opportunities in Nigeria’s 46 free zones and explore collaboration with the Qatar Chamber.
Situated in West Africa on an area of 923,769 square kilometres, Nigeria borders Niger in the north, Chad and Cameroon in the east, Benin in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the south. Home to 224 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populated country, largest economy and top oil-producer.
