The Gulf state of Qatar has made a U-turn, and will now host Nigeria at an investment forum. The Explainer learnt that after initially snubbing a proposed business meeting with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu between March 2 and 3, 2024, the meeting will now go ahead.
A leaked memo had shown that Qatar rejected the business meeting due to the lack of existing agreement between the two countries on business or private sector activities.
In the leaked memo, Qatar also cited the unavailability of Mohammed Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the country’s minister of commerce and industry as a reason for turning down the business proposal.
However, in its latest note verbale, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja said the event will hold “as proposed by the Nigerian side.”
In the latest diplomatic correspondence, the Embassy of Qatar did not give clarifications as to why it turned down the proposed meeting in the first place. Close observers of the situation cite pressure from the Nigerian public, especially on social media as reason for the change. With the fact that the Qataris will now host Nigeria at investment forum, many in Nigeria will be placated that President Tinubu trip will not be a waste of taxpayers money.
The Qatar Embassy said; “Regarding the upcoming State visit of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Qatar from 2nd-3rd March 2024 and with reference to our Note: Ref: QEA FA\057\24 dated 22/02/2024 regarding holding of a Business and Investment Forum (BIF) on the margins of Mr. President’s visit to Qatar on 2nd March 2024.
“The Embassy has the honour to convey that the Qatar Chamber of Commerce will host the above-mentioned event on 3rd March 2024, as proposed by the Nigerian side.
Some Nigerians on social media have expressed displeasure over the embarrassing diplomatic situation between the two countries.
Reacting, the presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga said the leaked memo claiming Qatari authorities snubbed Tinubu is the handiwork of “mischief makers”.
Attracting business deals and foreign investments are key targets to the Nigerian government during the trip.
The Explainer gathered that there are concerns that if the foreign investment discussions had been thrown out of the window, the entire trip would be considered by Nigerians as another jamboree and a waste of taxpayers’ money.
