New Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Qatar, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has formally presented his Letters of Credence to the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation with the Gulf nation across key sectors.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, which was shared on the ministry’s official Facebook page following the presentation ceremony held at the Amiri Diwan in Doha.
“Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the State of Qatar, formally presented his Letters of Credence to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, at the Amiri Diwan in Doha on Thursday, 2 July 2026.
“He was accompanied by senior Embassy officials. The ceremony featured full diplomatic honours, including the inspection of the Guard of Honour.”
Following the presentation, Ambassador Yakubu held a private audience with the Amir, during which both sides reaffirmed the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Qatar.
“Following the presentation, the Nigerian Ambassador held a private audience with the Amir, where he received a cordial welcome and reaffirmed the enduring bilateral ties. The Amir referenced previous high-level diplomatic exchanges and emphasized Qatar’s intent to deepen cooperation with Nigeria.
“Ambassador Yakubu conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the Amir and people of Qatar and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the countries.”
The ambassador also expressed Nigeria’s condolences to the Qatari leadership over the recent accident at Ras Laffan Industrial City.
According to the ministry, Ambassador Yakubu used the occasion to advocate for closer collaboration between the two countries in strategic sectors.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the presentation of Letters of Credence marked another step in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with Qatar and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including economic development, security, education and humanitarian partnerships.
LEADERSHIP reports that Prof. Yakubu, the immediate-past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had a a couple weeks ago arrived in the Gulf nation to resume diplomatic duties following his appointment by President Tinubu and subsequent clearance by the Nigerian Senate.
