President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two-day official visit to the State of Qatar is set to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations, with the signing of seven agreements today.

The visit commenced with President Tinubu’s exploration of cultural and historical aspects, including a visit to the Museum in Doha, Qatar’s capital.

Accompanied by key officials, including the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, President Tinubu was guided through the museum by CEO Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi and Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Thani. The Museum, recently redesigned ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcased various materials used in Islamic art spanning centuries.

The visit is expected to encompass diverse cultural experiences, as President Tinubu explores artifacts dating back to the earliest Islamic period.

The President is also set to view significant items such as the early Hijazi Quran fragments, the sitara of the Holy Kaaba, and the Abbasid blue-and-white bowl.

From the Museum, President Tinubu will proceed to the Qatar Foundation, a state-led non-profit organization promoting humanitarian activities globally, including Nigeria.

The foundation, founded in 1995, has contributed to the development of schools, houses, and health facilities in Nigeria.

The visit to the Museum sets the stage for the signing of seven agreements between Nigeria and Qatar, spanning various sectors. The President’s delegation includes key Nigerian government officials, and the agreements aim to enhance cooperation between the two nations.

Amidst the diplomatic discussions, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, disclosed that the Federal Government has identified locations in Nigeria with lithium in commercial quantities.

Alake emphasized the availability of comprehensive data on lithium at the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, inviting businesses to explore opportunities in establishing lithium companies in Nigeria.

Addressing Qatari businessmen, Alake highlighted the global recognition of Nigerian lithium quality, stating, “The quality of Nigerian lithium has been recognized by the global mining sector.”

He encouraged Qatari investors to visit Nigeria and witness the vast opportunities in mining, emphasizing investor-friendly policies in place.

Executive Secretary of Solid Minerals Development Fund, Mrs. Fatimah Shinkafi, urged investors to explore opportunities in mining infrastructures, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing transportation facilities to mines.

Additionally, Vice-Chairman of the Qatar-Nigerian Chamber of Business, Muhammed Santuraki, highlighted the chamber’s role in building business relations between both countries.

President Tinubu’s official visit aims to foster collaboration, strengthen economic ties, and explore opportunities for mutual growth between Nigeria and Qatar.