In what seems to be a diplomatic hiccup for Nigeria, the State of Qatar has rebuffed a proposition by the Nigerian government to host a Business and Investment Forum (BIF) during President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming visit to the Gulf nation on March 2 and 3, 2024.
The denial came to light through a leaked response from the Embassy of Qatar in Abuja to a Note Verbale from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Quoting from the leaked document dated February 22, 2024, the Embassy articulated, “Unfortunately, there is no agreement signed between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Investment Promotion and Protection.” It further added that the Minister of Commerce and Industry in Qatar would be on official missions abroad during President Tinubu’s visit.
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Moreover, the Embassy indicated that Qatar would be hosting a Web Summit during the proposed timeframe, with its authorities preoccupied with the event.
“The State of Qatar will be hosting a Web Summit during the suggested period and the State’s Authorities will be preoccupied with this event.”
“The Embassy of the State of Qatar avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the assurances of its highest consideration.”
The presidency reacts
However, the Presidency in Abuja has refuted the leaked information, asserting that the state visit by President Bola Tinubu to Qatar remains scheduled between March 2 and March 4.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, clarified that the leaked memo primarily focused on a private sector-led Business and Investment Forum intended to be held alongside the president’s state visit.
“We are aware of a leaked diplomatic correspondence between the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding President Tinubu’s visit between March 2 and March 3, 2024.
“The leaked diplomatic paper by mischief makers about an investment forum is not in any way a snub on Tinubu by the Qatari government.
“The business meeting is being put together by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Qatar’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
“Business people from Nigeria planned to engage their counterparts from Qatar on commercial and investment opportunities available in both countries,’’ Onanuga stated.
He further elucidated that NACCIMA and Qatari Chambers of Commerce and Industry were collaborating to capitalize on the president’s visit to Doha, aiming to mobilize the business communities from both nations to explore various sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing, agro-business, construction, real estate, ICT, renewable energy, solid minerals, and service sector, among others.
Contrary to the leaked memo, President Tinubu is expected to proceed with his visit to Qatar as planned. During the visit, he is anticipated to engage in high-level bilateral discussions with the Qatari leadership, encompassing diplomatic and economic matters.
“It is incorrect to insinuate that the Qatari authorities have snubbed the Nigerian leader over a business and investment forum which is tangential to the state visit.
“President Tinubu and His Highness Al-Thani are both committed to maintaining and building on the existing cordial and special relationship between Nigeria and the State of Qatar,’’ Onanuga stated.