Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Ambassador-designate to the State of Qatar, has identified energy sector consolidation, national security, and the protection of Nigerian professionals as his primary objectives as he prepares to resume his diplomatic posting.
​Speaking during an induction course for newly appointed heads of missions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Prof. Yakubu emphasized the strategic importance of Qatar as a global player and a key partner in Nigeria’s economic development.
​With both Nigeria and Qatar holding some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, Prof. Yakubu stated that his mission would focus heavily on the energy sector. He noted that the transition to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) remains a critical area of mutual interest.
​”The basis of the Qatari economy is in energy, specifically liquefied natural gas, and so is Nigeria’s,” Yakubu said. “There are already existing agreements between our two nations, and I will ensure we consolidate on those to drive investment.”
​Addressing the global menace of insecurity, the Ambassador-designate noted that he intends to leverage Qatar’s influence in international mediation.
He cited Qatar’s active role in peace processes across Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as a template for constructive engagement.
​”Insecurity is a perennial problem and not peculiar to Nigeria,” he remarked. “We will explore every possible avenue to address the security challenges facing our country through our diplomatic relations.”
​Providing an overview of the Nigerian diaspora in Qatar, Prof. Yakubu revealed that the community consists of approximately 12,000 citizens.
He highlighted the high caliber of the Nigerian contingent in the Gulf state, describing them as essential assets to both their host country and their homeland.
​The former INEC Chairman noted that his previous international engagements have prepared him for this role.
Having visited at least 24 Nigerian missions across North America, Europe, and West Africa, he expressed confidence in his understanding of the issues facing Nigerians abroad.
​”I am familiar with the issues,” Yakubu concluded. “I will continue to do the best we can to sustain and improve the diplomatic relations between our two friendly nations.”
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​With both Nigeria and Qatar holding some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, Prof. Yakubu stated that his mission would focus heavily on the energy sector. He noted that the transition to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) remains a critical area of mutual interest.
​”The basis of the Qatari economy is in energy, specifically liquefied natural gas, and so is Nigeria’s,” Yakubu said. “There are already existing agreements between our two nations, and I will ensure we consolidate on those to drive investment.”
​Security and Regional Peace
​Addressing the global menace of insecurity, the Ambassador-designate noted that he intends to leverage Qatar’s influence in international mediation. He cited Qatar’s active role in peace processes across Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as a template for constructive engagement.
​”Insecurity is a perennial problem and not peculiar to Nigeria,” he remarked. “We will explore every possible avenue to address the security challenges facing our country through our diplomatic relations.”
​Consular Support for Nigerian Professionals
​Providing an overview of the Nigerian diaspora in Qatar, Prof. Yakubu revealed that the community consists of approximately 12,000 citizens. He highlighted the high caliber of the Nigerian contingent in the Gulf state, describing them as essential assets to both their host country and their homeland.
- ​Professional Demographic: The envoy noted that the community is comprised largely of engineers, medical doctors, and university professors.
- ​Reduced Consular Friction: Due to the professional status of these citizens, Yakubu observed that they require less traditional consular intervention than Nigerians in other regions, allowing the mission to focus on high-level engagement.
​Diplomatic Experience
​The former INEC Chairman noted that his previous international engagements have prepared him for this role. Having visited at least 24 Nigerian missions across North America, Europe, and West Africa, he expressed confidence in his understanding of the issues facing Nigerians abroad.
​”I am familiar with the issues,” Yakubu concluded. “I will continue to do the best we can to sustain and improve the diplomatic relations between our two friendly nations.”
