By Palma Ileye
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has paid a condolence visit to the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, His Excellency Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, following the passing of the Father Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The visit was disclosed in a statement issued by Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
During the visit to the Qatari Embassy in Abuja, Musawa also sought deeper diplomatic, cultural and tourism collaboration between both countries.
The statement noted that the Minister conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria to the government and people of Qatar, describing the late Father Amir as a visionary leader whose reign from 1995 to 2013 transformed Qatar into a globally respected nation.
“We are deeply saddened by this great loss. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the government and the people of Qatar,” Musawa said.
She described the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as an architect of modern Qatar whose legacy would continue to inspire generations, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for the Qatari people.
Beyond the condolence visit, the Minister discussed areas of mutual interest with the Ambassador, including expanding diplomatic relations through cultural exchange programmes, tourism promotion and creative economy partnerships.
She reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people engagement and called for improved connectivity between Abuja and Doha to facilitate tourism, cultural delegations and business travel.
Musawa also advocated for a simplified visa process for Nigerians travelling to Qatar for cultural activities, stressing that easier travel arrangements would boost tourism, foster artistic collaboration and deepen bilateral relations.
Responding, Ambassador Al-Hail thanked the Minister and the Federal Government for the show of solidarity, affirming Qatar’s readiness to deepen cultural cooperation with Nigeria.
He described Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant creative industry as globally recognised assets and expressed Qatar’s interest in partnering with the Ministry to showcase Nigerian music, film, fashion and cultural heritage through exchange programmes in Doha.
The Ambassador further assured that the Embassy would engage relevant Qatari authorities to explore the Ministry’s proposals on cultural collaboration and travel facilitation.
The visit, according to the statement, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, cultural and economic ties with Qatar in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
