By Zainab Bakare
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity while calling for stronger bilateral ties with Qatar to unlock opportunities in tourism, culture and economic development.
Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, and the embassy’s Consul, Khalifa Al-Khalifa, the First Lady said President Bola Tinubu’s administration, working closely with the nation’s security agencies, is intensifying efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
She acknowledged that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges but expressed confidence that ongoing operations by security agencies would restore lasting peace and create a more secure environment for citizens and investors.
Senator Tinubu also highlighted the importance of strengthening Nigeria-Qatar relations, noting that enhanced cooperation in sectors such as tourism, culture and investment could generate employment opportunities, particularly for the country’s growing youth population.
She urged young Nigerians to embrace and promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage and abundant natural attractions, describing tourism as one of Nigeria’s most promising but underutilised drivers of economic growth.
“We have enormous cultural and natural assets that can boost our economy and create jobs if properly harnessed,” she said.
In his remarks, Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, said his perception of Nigeria changed positively after visiting the country.
The envoy disclosed that negative narratives on social media had initially made him apprehensive about coming to Nigeria, but his personal experience proved otherwise.
He commended Nigeria’s diversity, hospitality and strategic economic importance in Africa, describing the country as a key partner for Qatar.
Ambassador Al-Hail called for deeper collaboration between both nations, particularly in aviation, tourism and other mutually beneficial sectors, adding that stronger people-to-people exchanges would further strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
He also appealed to Nigerians to refrain from cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation online, warning that such actions project a negative image of the country internationally and could discourage tourism and foreign investment.
The meeting underscored the growing commitment of both Nigeria and Qatar to expanding cooperation in areas capable of driving economic growth, improving cultural exchanges and strengthening diplomatic relations.
