In what appears to be a diplomatic setback for Nigeria, the State of Qatar has declined a proposal by the Nigerian government to host a Business and Investment Forum (BIF) during President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming visit to the Gulf nation on March 2 and 3, 2024.
The rejection was disclosed in a leaked response from the Embassy of Qatar in Abuja to a Note Verbale from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The embassy cited various reasons for its decision not to proceed with the proposed forum.
In the leaked document dated February 22, 2024, the Embassy stated, “Unfortunately, there is no agreement signed between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Investment Promotion and Protection.”
Additionally, it noted that the Minister of Commerce and Industry in Qatar would be on official missions abroad during President Tinubu’s visit.
Furthermore, the Embassy mentioned that Qatar would be hosting a Web Summit during the suggested period, with its authorities preoccupied with the event.
“The State of Qatar will be hosting a Web Summit during the suggested period and the State’s Authorities will be preoccupied with this event.”
“The Embassy of the State of Qatar avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the assurances of its highest consideration.”
As of the time of this report, there has been no official reaction from either Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy of Qatar regarding the leaked document, which has gained traction on social media platforms.