The Presidency has refuted claims suggesting a snub by the Qatari government towards President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that the postponed investment forum is not indicative of any disregard towards the Nigerian leader.
In a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, it was clarified that the botched investment forum was just one of the events preceding President Tinubu’s State Visit to Qatar on March 2-3, 2023.
Responding to a leaked note verbale revealing Qatar’s decision to decline the business and investment forum, citing the absence of a legally binding agreement with Nigeria, the Presidency reiterated that President Tinubu’s visit remains intact.
According to the statement, President Tinubu is expected to engage in high-level bilateral discussions with Qatari leaders, covering a spectrum of diplomatic and economic matters during the scheduled State Visit.
The leaked diplomatic correspondence, as explained by the Presidency, pertains to a private sector-led Business and Investment Forum organized by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture and Qatar’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry. This forum aims to foster commercial and investment opportunities between the two nations.
Highlighting the robust bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Qatar, the Presidency affirmed that President Tinubu’s visit is at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, and is geared towards enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.
Furthermore, the collaboration between NACCIMA and Qatar Chambers of Commerce and Industry seeks to leverage President Tinubu’s visit to explore opportunities across various economic sectors, including oil & gas, manufacturing, agro-business, construction, real estate, ICT, Renewable Energy, Solid Minerals, and the service sector.
The statement concluded by reiterating the commitment of both leaders to strengthen and build upon the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and the State of Qatar.
Notably, this isn’t the first time leaked correspondence between Nigeria and Qatar has caused speculation. In 2022, a similar incident occurred when the Qatari government postponed a visit by former President Muhammadu Buhari due to concerns regarding proximity to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, Buhari’s visit eventually took place in March 2023, coinciding with President Tinubu’s upcoming trip.