The State of Qatar has changed from its earlier position and announced it will now host a proposed Business and Investment Forum (BIF) with Nigeria on the margins of the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the oil-rich country on 3rd March 2024.

This was contained in a Note Verbale dated February 23, 2024, sent to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following a previous request by the Protocol Department of the Ministry.

Recall President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit the Gulf Country between March 2 and 3, 2024, but in what appeared to be an embarrassing diplomatic situation for Nigeria, the Embassy of Qatar in Abuja had in a leaked correspondence with the Nigerian side, rejected the request for the BIF citing reasons that: ” there is no any agreement signed between State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Investment Promotion and Protection,” “and that the Minister of Commerce and Industry would be carrying out official missions outside the country during the upcoming visit period,” the statement added.

However, with the current change of situation, the Embassy of Qatar said “Regarding the upcoming State Visit of H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Qatar from 2nd-3rd March 2024 and concerning our Note: Ref: QEA/FA/057/24 dated 22/02/2024, regarding holding of a Business and Investment Forum (BIF) on the margins of Mr. President’s visit to Qatar on 2nd March 2024.”

“The Embassy has the honor to convey that the Qatar Chamber of Commerce will host the above-mentioned event on 3rd March 2024, as proposed by the Nigerian side.” the statement added.

The Forum is expected to attract a large number of Nigerian businessmen and investors.

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