Qatari authorities have declined President Bola Tinubu’s request to visit the nation and hold a business and investment forum, citing the absence of a legally binding agreement between Qatar and Nigeria for investment promotion.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, the Qatari government expressed regret that it would be unable to host Mr. Tinubu and hold the proposed forum on March 2 and 3. The letter stated that Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry had prior commitments on the proposed dates of Mr. Tinubu’s visit.
Furthermore, the letter emphasized that there is no signed agreement between Qatar and Nigeria on Investment Promotion and Protection. It also noted that Qatar’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Thani, would be engaged in official missions outside the country during Mr. Tinubu’s proposed visit.
Additionally, Qatar highlighted its hosting of a web summit during the suggested period, indicating that its officials would be preoccupied with this event.
The Qatari government’s inability to reschedule the business forum to a more suitable time suggests a reluctance to establish an economic alliance with Nigeria.
This development follows a similar incident last year when the United Arab Emirates authorities refuted claims of lifting a visa ban on Nigerians after Mr. Tinubu’s visit to UAE leader, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
