President Bola Tinubu on Thursday assured Ambassadors from several Gulf nations of Nigeria’s solidarity as they face fallout from the escalating USA – Israel war with Iran, while promising his administration’s economic reforms to draw investment.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa while accepting credentials from nine envoys, including those from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, President Tinubu commended the resilience of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria expresses its full solidarity” with them “in the face of the recent attacks,” he said, adding that Nigeria would always strive for “tranquility, peace and love” worldwide.
The ceremony came amid regional tensions, with Gulf states reporting attacks linked to the broader conflict.
President Tinubu used the occasion to outline Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities: deepening bilateral ties for mutual prosperity, harnessing its youthful population for growth, and tackling regional issues like Sahel instability through ECOWAS.
He invited the diplomats to view Nigeria as “a dynamic partner open for strategic and mutually beneficial business collaboration,” highlighting bold reforms to position the country as an investment hub.
Global challenges—from climate change to counter-terrorism— require collective action, President Tinubu said, directing his foreign ministry to cooperate fully with the envoys.
Credentials were presented by Qatar’s Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Al-Hail; Saudi Arabia’s Yousef Bin Mohammed Albalawi; Lebanon’s Wissam Kalakeche; Sudan’s Mohammed Abdelaal Haroun; Namibia’s High Commissioner Walda Natangwe Ndevashiya; Rwanda’s Moses Rugema; Somalia’s Mohamed Osman Mohamed; Argentina’s Nicolas Perazzo Naon; and Congo’s Moyongo Dieudonne.
Qatar’s Ambassador thanked President Tinubu on behalf of the group and pledged to strengthen ties.
President Tinubu urged the envoys to explore beyond Abuja to experience the country’s entrepreneurial spirit.
