By Francesca Hangeior
The Qatari government has rejected Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu’s request to visit the country for a business and investment meeting saying there is no legal disagreement between both countries.
The Qatari authorities in a letter sent to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the oil rich country would not be able to welcome President Tinubu and hold the proposed forum intended to hold on March 2 and 3 due to the lack of a legally binding agreement between the country and Nigeria for the promotion of investment.
Qatar in the document further noted that its ministry of commerce had other commitments on the days President Tinubu desired to visit.
Qatar also said in the letter sent to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that “The Embassy has the honour to inform that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar apologises that it will not be able to hold a Business and Investment Forum as proposed by Nigerian side.
“There is no any agreement signed between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Investment Promotion and Protection.”
The country further added that its Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Thani “will be carrying out official missions outside the country during the upcoming visit period” which makes him unavailable to meet with the Nigerian leader.
Qatar said that its officials would be too busy because Qatar was hosting its own “web summit” the same time Mr Tinubu planned to visit.
The letter added that “The State of Qatar will be hosting a web summit during the suggested period and the state’s authorities will be preoccupied with this event.”