Nigeria has formally opened a diplomatic mission in Qatar, amid growing cooperation between the two countries on political and economic matters. In a statement, ambassador-designate Shuaibu Adamu Ahmed said:

“The increasing strategic importance of Qatar in global peace and development cannot be underestimated. Qatar today is centre of worldwide leadership and dialogue.”

The opening of the embassy is expected to make things easier for Qatar’s growing Nigerian expat population, which now numbers more than 6,000. Previously, Nigerians here had to work through the mission in the UAE.

But according to Gulf Times, it was difficult to gain access to some consular services, including  document attestation, police character certificate and issue/renewal of passports.

The Doha embassy isn’t issuing passports yet – currently, that’s only done in Saudi Arabia – but the service is expected to be offered here soon, officials said.

In terms of mutual interests, Ambassador Ahmed said the two countries are looking into tie-ups in agriculture, telecom, oil and gas, and banking:

“Nigeria has a very fertile and conducive climate for agriculture and we know Qatar, as part of its long-term strategic vision, is looking at the aspect of food security. Already, they have invested in agriculture sector in a few African countries and we hope that they will favorably look at Nigeria. We have the land and the labour, 70 percent of Nigerians are in the agriculture sector.” 

And politically speaking, the two countries will hopefully work to stabilize Mali, Ahmed added.

The embassy is located at Al Istiqlal Street, building 39, zone 63, street 941, in Dafna. It is open Sundays to Thursdays from 8am to noon and 2pm to 3pm.

Thoughts?

Credit: Image courtesy of Nigerian embassy in Doha