President Tinubu’s Scheduled Visit to Qatar Confirmed Despite Earlier Rejection Reports

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on March 2-3, as officially confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This declaration comes in response to circulating reports claiming that Qatari authorities had initially rejected the proposed visit.

Contrary to the earlier speculations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the public that President Tinubu’s visit to Qatar remains on schedule. In a statement released on Saturday night, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the strong and enduring relationship between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the State of Qatar.

The controversy arose from a memo circulating online, allegedly from the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abuja, expressing an inability to host a proposed Business and Investment Forum (BIF). The memo cited reasons such as the absence of a signed agreement on Investment Promotion and Protection and the Minister of Commerce and Industry’s official missions abroad during the proposed visit period.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed these claims, maintaining that President Tinubu’s visit would encompass high-level bilateral discussions on strategic, diplomatic, and economic matters. The statement also emphasized the historical friendship and close bilateral relations between Nigeria and Qatar.

Addressing the media, Francisca K. Omayuli, spokesperson for the Ministry, acknowledged the circulation of diplomatic correspondence in the media but affirmed that the Ministry would refrain from commenting on leaks. The forthcoming visit is anticipated to strengthen the enduring ties between the two nations.