Breaking: President Tinubu's Request To Visit Qatar & Organize A Business And Investment Forum Has Been Rejected By The Qatari Authorities.

President Bola Tinubu's appeal to visit Qatar and organize a business and investment forum has been declined by the Qatari authorities.

The Qatari government has informed the ministry of foreign affairs that it cannot accommodate Mr Tinubu's visit and hold the proposed forum on March 2 and 3.

This is due to the absence of a legally binding agreement between Qatar and Nigeria for the promotion of investment. Additionally, the ministry of commerce in Qatar has prior commitments on the days Mr Tinubu intended to visit. The Qatari Embassy conveyed its apologies, stating that there is no signed agreement between Qatar and Nigeria regarding Investment Promotion and Protection.

Furthermore, Qatar's commerce and industry minister will be engaged in official missions abroad during the planned visit, making him unavailable to meet with the Nigerian leader. Qatar also mentioned that it will be hosting a web summit during the suggested period, which will occupy the state's authorities.

The Qatari government's failure to reschedule the business forum to a more suitable time may indicate its reluctance to establish an economic alliance with Nigeria. It is worth noting that last year, the United Arab Emirates disputed an announcement that the visa ban on Nigerians had been lifted after Mr Tinubu's visit to UAE leader Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.