The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has paid a condolence visit to the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, expressing Nigeria’s sympathy over the death of the Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, while also seeking stronger diplomatic, cultural and tourism collaboration between both countries.
A statement by the special adviser on Media and publicity, Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze indicated
During the visit to the Qatari Embassy in Abuja, Musawa conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the Nigerian people to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, describing the late Father Amir as a visionary leader whose reforms transformed Qatar into a globally influential 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,” the minister said.
She added that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani would be remembered as “an architect of modern Qatar” and prayed for Allah to grant him eternal rest while comforting the Qatari people.
Beyond the condolence message, the meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in culture, tourism and the creative economy.
Musawa said Nigeria was eager to deepen cultural diplomacy through increased tourism, creative industry partnerships and people-to-people exchanges. She advocated improved air connectivity between Abuja and Doha as well as easier travel procedures to encourage cultural delegations, tourism operators and business travellers.
According to her, the creative economy thrives on cross-cultural engagement, stressing that stronger partnerships would facilitate festivals, exhibitions and tourism initiatives that benefit both countries.
The minister also called for a more streamlined visa process for Nigerians travelling to Qatar for cultural activities, noting that easier mobility would significantly boost tourism and creative exchanges.
Responding, Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, appreciated the Federal Government for the condolence visit and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cultural relations with Nigeria.
He described Nigeria’s cultural diversity and creative talent as globally recognised assets, saying Qatar was interested in partnering with the ministry to promote Nigerian music, film, fashion and cultural heritage through exchange programmes in Doha.
The envoy also pledged that the embassy would engage relevant Qatari authorities to consider the ministry’s proposals on cultural collaboration and travel facilitation.
The visit, according to the ministry, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, cultural and economic relations with Qatar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.