President Bola Tinubu has signed an agreement with Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, to improve cooperation in seven sectors of the economy.
The sectors include education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism, and sports.
The two countries entered the agreement on Sunday in Doha, according to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential aide on media and publicity.
Before the signing ceremony, Tinubu was said to have assured his host of Nigeria’s preparedness to welcome investors into the country, adding that the ongoing reforms favour innovation, return on investments, and multiculturalism.
“Our greatest strength is our people. Our strength lies in the capacity of Nigerian youths,” Tinubu said.
“They have energy, talent, and self-belief. They are quality partners for the Qatari industry. They are educated and reliable, and they are 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 clearly 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.
“There is nowhere in the world where you will find return on investment at the level of what you will see in Nigeria. A massive market of over 200 million skilled Nigerians, always industrious and ready to work.
“We face some short-term turbulence at the moment, but 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.”
On his part, Al Thani, emphasised that Qatar is open to Tinubu’s investment push.
He also recalled that he travelled to Nigeria in 2019 due to his belief that Nigeria is an important and strategic ally on its own and within the context of its role in regional affairs.
“I have no doubt about the great capacity of the Nigerian people. Everywhere in the world, they are known for their brilliance and hard work,” he said.
“We only need to ensure that this is happening inside of 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 in the commonwealth of our people. It is not my money. The money we invest belongs to the future generations of Qatar.
“Mr. President, I am very encouraged by your actions and your passion to create new opportunities. We are very open to this, and follow-up is everything at this point.
“The will is there for both of us, but we must follow up. I will send a team of officials to Nigeria after Ramadan, and we will advance discussions on what some of the actionable investment opportunities are.”
According to the statement, Tinubu named Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, as the leader of the government team that will interface with Qatari authorities on investment identification and implementation moving forward.
Ngelale said the agreements signed are; cooperation agreement in the field of education; regulation of employment of workers with the government of Qatar; 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); a cooperation agreement in the field of youths and sports.
Other agreements include: cooperation in the field of tourism and business events, and a memorandum of understanding combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
