The Presidency has dismissed allegations of a snub from the Qatari government towards President Bola Tinubu, affirming that Tinubu will visit the Middle Eastern country in March for scheduled bilateral discussions.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was clarified that the supposed snub stemmed from misinformation circulated by “mischief makers”.
The statement clarified that the cancelled investment forum between Nigerian and Qatari business communities was just one of several events slated before President Tinubu’s State Visit to Qatar on March 2 – 3, 2024.
Addressing the leaked diplomatic correspondence between the Qatari Embassy in Abuja and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Onanuga emphasized that it pertained to a private sector-led Business and Investment Forum organized by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Qatar’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Highlighting the cordial bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Qatar, Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu’s State Visit was at the invitation of the Qatari Emir, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation.
The statement reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to attending the Business and Investment Forum and engaging in high-level bilateral discussions with Qatari leaders on diplomatic and economic matters.
It clarified that Qatari authorities’ insinuation of a snub was unfounded, emphasizing the mutual commitment to nurturing the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Qatar.
President Tinubu’s visit to Qatar remains scheduled as planned, with both parties dedicated to advancing their diplomatic and economic ties.
