Despite economic uncertainties and the initial hurdle that trailed President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Qatar, the Nigerian President made attempts to woo investors in his host country yesterday, telling them there is nowhere in the world where one will find return on investment at the level of what is obtainable in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria boasts of a massive market of over 200 million skilled workers, who are always industrious and ready to work.
His marketing of Nigeria to the Qatari government preceded the signing of historic agreements between both nations, opening a gateway for leveraging the potential of mutual cooperation in pivotal sectors of education, enterprise development, investment promotion, youth empowerment, mining, tourism, and sports.
Tinubu while meeting with His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on Sunday in Doha, said Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in the people.
“Our strength lies in the capacity of Nigerian youths. They have energy, talent, and self-belief. They are quality partners for 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.
“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,” the President stated.
Prior to the signing ceremony at the Qatar Presidential Palace, Tinubu assured his host of Nigeria’s preparedness to welcome investors into the country, noting the ongoing reforms that favour innovation, return on investments, and multiculturalism.
On his part, the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized that Qatar is open to Tinubu’s investment push, recalling that he traveled to Nigeria in 2019 owing 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. 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 the common wealth 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,” the Qatari leader said.
Tinubu immediately named the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, as the team leader of the government team that will interface with Qatari authorities in investment identification and implementation moving forward.
Recall that a memo had emanated from the Qatar Embassy stepping down a business meeting between Tinubu and the leader of the host country before it was retracted.C