BREAKING: Tinubu returns to Nigeria from Qatar

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a two-day official trip to Qatar. The presidential jet, NAF 001, landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at around 7 pm, marking the conclusion of his 12th foreign visit in the nine months since he assumed the Presidency. Tinubu, who has spent a total of 75 days abroad during this period, was warmly received by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi, among others.

During his visit to Qatar, President Tinubu emphasized the significance of accurately documenting a nation’s history, cultural evolution, and challenges while touring Qatar’s National Museum. He commended the efforts to preserve culture, stating, “It is great to document culture from the beginning of history, the culture of civilization, collaborations, challenges, and perseverance of leadership.”

On the following day, Tinubu, alongside the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, witnessed the signing of seven significant agreements between the two nations after closed-door talks at the Presidential Palace in Doha. These agreements cover cooperation in education, regulation of employment of workers, establishment of a joint business council, cooperation in youth and sports, tourism and business events, and a memorandum of understanding combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The signed documents were formalized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and key officials from the Government of the State of Qatar.

Later on, President Tinubu presided over the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum, where he urged Qatari business leaders to report any Nigerian official demanding bribes. He assured the international business community that Nigeria is committed to eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and corruption, emphasizing the government’s readiness for serious business.

Qatar marks the third Gulf state visited by President Tinubu since assuming office, making it his 16th foreign destination. His previous visits include Paris, France (thrice); London, the United Kingdom; Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Novo, Benin Republic; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Berlin, Germany; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.