Tinubu Back To Abuja After 2-day Official Visit To Qatar

Tinubu has returned to Abuja following a two-day official visit to Qatar

President Bola Tinubu arrived back in Abuja on Monday evening, March 4, after spending two days in Qatar for official business.

The President's plane touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport's Presidential Wing at approximately 7:00 p.m.

The President's plane touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport's Presidential Wing at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Vice President Kashim Shettima received Tinubu along with his 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 Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, among others.

Read: Qatar, Agrees To Hold Investment Forum During Pres. Tinubu's Visit

Touring Qatar's National Museum on his first day, Tinubu emphasized the value of truthful record-keeping of a country's history, cultural development, and difficulties.

Following giving a tour of the 39,994-square-meter structure that is centered on Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani's original palace, the President declared, “It is great to document culture from the beginning of history, the culture of civilisation, collaborations, challenges and perseverance of leadership.”

The following day, Tinubu and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, witnessed the signing of seven historic agreements between their two countries following private negotiations at the Presidential Palace in Doha.

These consist of an education cooperation agreement, worker employment regulations with the Qatari government, the creation of a joint business council between the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and an agreement pertaining to youth and sports.

The other agreements are a memorandum of understanding to combat the illicit trade in psychotropic substances and narcotic drugs, as well as cooperation in the areas of business events and tourism.

In addition to 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 the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, the documents were signed by Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Later that day, Tinubu chaired the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum, during which he instructed Qatari business leaders to expose any Nigerian official who requests bribes in exchange for letting them conduct business in the nation.

He emphasized that Nigeria will not be constrained by its past, which was marred by corruption and bureaucratic roadblocks that made doing business difficult.

“Do not offer a bribe to any of our people, and if it is requested or taken from you, report to us. You will have access to me,” Tinubu said.

The President further reassured the world's business community that Nigeria is prepared for big business and that his administration will take firm action against any and all vested interests that threaten investor faith in the country's economy.

Also, he promised to eliminate any obstacles preventing successful and lawful business ventures, saying, “Do not let perceptions become a hindrance to your will to invest. Nigeria is serious about revolutionizing investment promotion.”