The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu received in audience on 5 October 2026, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail.
Their discussions centered on strengthening the existing bonds of friendship between Nigeria and Qatar, as well as exploring avenues for the enhancement of bilateral cooperation across political, economic and social spheres.
Both sides agreed on the need to bolster economic cooperation through enhanced private-sector engagement and greater institutional exchanges, particularly within the framework of the Nigeria-Qatar Joint Business Council.
The two sides also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in sports and tourism, emphasizing the importance of advancing people-to-people contact for the deepening of cultural and institutional ties.
Ambassador Al-Hail extolled the virtues of diligence, humility and brilliance in Nigerians, informing that many Qatari companies were increasingly seeking Nigerian talents for job opportunities in Qatar. He added that a Qatari oil and gas company recently recruited 150 Nigerians for its Qatari operations.
The Honourable Minister expressed appreciation to Ambassador Al-Halil for his visit. She applauded the cordial relations between Nigeria and Qatar, noting that both countries remained partners in the pursuit of shared interests and common aspirations.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu lauded the dignified employment opportunities Qatari companies had recently offered Nigerians, and emphasized the importance of coordinating the positive development in a structured manner for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared resolve of both countries to work together in advancing shared interests and contributing to international peace, security and development, through enhanced bilateral cooperation and greater coordination on multilateral platforms.
