The Traffic

Tinubu Calls on Qatar to Back Nigeria’s Anti-Poverty Efforts, Invites Investment in Agriculture and More

By Achimi Muktar

In a passionate pitch for strategic collaboration, President Bola Tinubu has called on the State of Qatar to deepen its economic ties with Nigeria by investing in agriculture, food security, and petrochemicals — key sectors at the heart of Nigeria’s battle against poverty.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a visit from Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, the special envoy of Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s openness to partnership and readiness to deliver on previously signed bilateral agreements.

“You can’t find a better partner than Nigeria,” the President declared. “You have done well in building a knowledge-based economy in Qatar, but what about Nigeria? It’s time to do more in humanitarian efforts and investment that lift our people out of poverty.”

The visit by Dr. Al-Khulaifi comes on the heels of Tinubu’s state visit to Doha earlier in 2024 — a diplomatic outreach that laid the foundation for increased economic cooperation between both nations. Now, Qatar is following up with concrete plans. According to Dr. Al-Khulaifi, a high-level business delegation from Qatar will soon land in Nigeria to explore investment opportunities in agriculture, food production, and petrochemicals.

“We’re proud of our relationship with Nigeria,” Al-Khulaifi said. “It’s not just about government-to-government ties — we’re building people-to-people connections. Our companies are ready. Now, we want to create the pathway for them to enter the Nigerian market.”

The Qatari envoy’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic push across Africa, where Qatar is engaging in peace-building and what officials are calling “investment diplomacy.” And Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is at the center of that strategy.

President Tinubu also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s ongoing reforms, particularly in taxation — aimed at creating a friendlier environment for both local and foreign investors.

“Our tax system is undergoing tough but necessary changes. We had to make difficult decisions so that we can grow. Now, we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Tinubu said.

He directed key ministers — including those in Budget and Planning, Foreign Affairs, and Information — to follow up aggressively on all agreements with Qatar, ensuring that plans on paper translate into projects on ground.

Dr. Al-Khulaifi reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment, stressing that the Amir sees Nigeria as a “strategic partner in Africa” — not just for trade, but also for regional peace and prosperity.

With Tinubu’s administration hungry for foreign investment and Qatar looking to expand its African footprint, this could mark a new chapter in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in Nigeria.

What This Means for You:

Qatar is eyeing major investments in Nigeria’s agricultural and petrochemical sectors.

Nigeria is streamlining its tax system to attract more international investors.

A Qatari business delegation is expected in Nigeria in the coming weeks.

Tinubu is doubling down on bilateral ties to fuel his economic and anti-poverty agenda.