From Our Correspondent
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on Sunday in Doha, witnessed the signing of historic agreements between both nations in diverse areas of bilateral interests.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) announced signing of the agreements in a statement on Sunday.
TheNewsZenith reports that the agreements opened a gateway for leveraging the potential of cooperation in pivotal sectors of education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism and sports.
Before the signing ceremony at the Qatar Presidential Palace, President Tinubu had assured his host of Nigeria’s preparedness to welcome investors into the country.
He said the ongoing reforms by his government favour innovation, return on investments and multiculturalism.
“Our greatest strength is our people. Our strength lies in the capacity of Nigerian youths. They have energy, talent, and self-belief.
“They are quality partners for the Qatari industry. They are educated, reliable and proactively seeking to add value wherever they are.
“A few cannot give a bad name to the many. Nigerian youths are ready to be unleashed for the mutual benefit of both nations.
“We have seen the rapid pace and thorough quality of Qatar’s development process. It is impossible not to be moved by what you have accomplished.
“The leadership in the country has proven its mettle, and we are here to gain deeper insight.
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“There is nowhere where you will find returns on investment at the level of what you will see in Nigeria.
“A massive market of over 200 million skilled Nigerians and always industrious are ready to work,” President Tinubu said.
He hinted that Nigeria face some short-term turbulence at the moment. However, “we have a government today that reflects the dynamism and talent of the Nigerian people.
“We are implementing the right solutions. This team works collaboratively with each other and our partners.
“Nigeria is ready for serious business.”
Responding, the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized that Qatar is open to President Tinubu’s investment push.
Al Thani recalled that he travelled to Nigeria in 2019 because of his belief that Nigeria is an important and strategic ally on its own and within the context of its role in regional affairs.
“I do not doubt the great capacity of the Nigerian people. Everywhere in the world, they are known for their brilliance and hard work.
“We only need to ensure that this is happening inside Nigeria rather than outside. The investments we have made around the world have been very fruitful.
“This is because we take our time and study opportunities before we invest the commonwealth of our people.
“It is not my money; the money we invest belongs to the future generations of Qatar,” the Qatari leader said.
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President Tinubu immediately named the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun as the Nigeria’s team leader. He will interface with Qatari authorities in investment identification and implementation moving forward.
Also during the deliberations, President Tinubu enabled brief presentation to the Emir by Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake.
Alake spoke about the high grade of several minerals, including lithium, immediately derivable across the country with an emphasis on opportunities for local mineral processing and value-additive industry in the sector.
The two Heads of State followed the bilateral engagement with a closed-door meeting between before they proceeded to the signing ceremony for seven bilateral agreements across multiple sectors.
They signed even agreements, which include cooperation agreement in the field of education and regulation of employment of workers with the Government of Qatar.
Others agreements signed are on establishment of a joint business council (JBC) between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and cooperation on youths and sports.
The other agreements are cooperation in the field of tourism and business events and a memorandum of understanding combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Ministers of both countries relevant areas of cooperation signed the agreements.
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