Nigeria’s new Amb. Yakubu presents letter of credence to Qatari leader
Lagos, July 2026 – Nigeria’s new Ambassador to Qatar, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has presented his Letter of Credence to the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
During the ceremony on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the Amiri Diwan, in Doha, Ambassador Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), inspected a Guard of Honour before a private audience with the Amir, who reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Nigeria and Qatar.
The Qatari leader recalled the high-level visits between both countries and reiterated Qatar’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
On behalf of the Nigerian government, Ambassador Yakubu condoled the Amir over the recent gas explosion at the Ras Laffan Industrial City and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Qatar in trade, investment, education, security and humanitarian affairs.
Yakubu arrived in Qatar on July 17, 2026 to a warm reception by Qatari officials and African Ambassadors accredited to the Gulf State.
Nigeria and Qatar formally established diplomatic relations in 2013, coinciding with the opening of resident embassies in each other’s capitals.
Trade between both countries is growing rapidly, with Nigeria recording a surplus of 4.14 billion Naira in March 2026.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the balance of trade in Nigeria’s favour averaged 263 million Naira from 1981 until 2026, reaching an all-time high in March 2026 (1,380 Naira = 1 USD).
Areas of cooperation, driven by bilateral agreements in multiple sectors, include oil, gas, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, education, labour and aviation, with Qatar Airlines operating about 17 flights from and to Nigeria a week.
