In response to a leaked letter that has gone viral on social media, Senior Special Assistant on Digital/New Media to the President, O’tega Ogra, has provided insights into what really happened.

A section of the Nigerian media has widely reported that the government of Qatar rejected Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s request to visit the country for a business and investment meeting over a legal disagreement.

Quoting from the leaked letter sent to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, it was claimed that the Middle Eastern country would not be able to welcome President Tinubu and hold the proposed forum intended to take place on March 2 and 3.

Qatar stated that the rejection of President Tinubu’s request for visitation for the business and investment forum was due to the lack of a legally binding agreement between the country and Nigeria for the promotion of investment.

However, Ogra dismissed the misconceptions, attributing them to a lack of understanding of diplomatic protocols.

Read his full statement below:

A state visit is a formal visit by a head of government or head of state to another country at the invitation of the host country. They are highly ceremonial and most times are Government-to-Government interaction to strengthen diplomatic relations, bilateral ties or sometimes push trade and strengthen cultural relations at the government level.
However, the visiting country can request to have additional non-government interaction e.g. business-to-business meetings with private sector players on both sides coordinated by both governments. It is left to the host country to do its best in putting its best foot forward in terms of representation of their companies. At such events, MOU’s can be signed or agreements for partnerships reached.
Kudos to Mr President for always trying to maximize every state visit in the best interest of all sectors of the Nigerian Economy.
So what’s the brouhaha about Qatar saying they are not sufficiently prepared to host a private sector engagement for businesses in both countries on the sidelines of the formal government-to-government meeting(s) which Nigeria requested for them to hold during the state visit that Qatar invited our Nigeria’s President to?
This is what happens when people can’t read the lines of diplomatic speak.
In any case, Nigeria and Qatar are currently engaging on discussions to establish a more concrete trade and investment environment and an agreement has almost been reached.
In SUMMARY
1. state visits are formal visits by heads of government or state to other countries to strengthen diplomatic relations, bilateral ties, and sometimes to push trade and cultural relations at the government level.
2. The visiting country may request additional non-government interaction, such as business-to-business meetings with private sector players from both sides.
3. The host country is responsible for representing its companies in the best possible way.
4. Nigeria and Qatar are currently engaged in discussions to establish a more concrete trade and investment environment, and an agreement has almost been reached.

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.