Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially resumed duty as Nigeria's Ambassador to the State of Qatar after arriving in Doha. He was warmly received at Hamad International Airport by senior Qatari officials, members of the African diplomatic community, and representatives of the Nigerian community in Qatar.
Warm Welcome in Doha
Leading the reception was Ambassador Ibrahim Abdullah Fakhro, Director of the Protocol Department at Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who welcomed the former electoral chief on behalf of the Qatari government. Also present were 13 African ambassadors and heads of mission based in Doha, underscoring the strong ties between African diplomatic missions in the country.
Among the dignitaries who received him were Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Dr Philip Mshelbila, and President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Qatar, Michael Ihekwaba. The African diplomatic delegation was coordinated by Guinea's Ambassador to Qatar, Thierno Sow, who serves as President of the Bureau of the African Group of Ambassadors in Qatar.
The delegation included diplomats from Guinea, Algeria, Burundi, Morocco, Tanzania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Benin, and the Central African Republic. Yakubu also exchanged pleasantries with several ambassadors, including Mali's Ambassador Dedeou Sidibe, Senegal's Ambassador Cheikh Tidiane Sall, and Tanzania's Ambassador Habibu Mohammed.
Formal Assumption of Duty
Following the airport reception, the former INEC chairman proceeded to the Nigerian Embassy in Doha, where he met with embassy officials and staff as he formally assumed his new role. His appointment marks a transition from electoral administration to diplomacy after serving as INEC chairman for nearly a decade. During his tenure, he oversaw several major elections, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
Diplomatic Expectations
As Nigeria's ambassador to Qatar, Yakubu is expected to work on strengthening bilateral relations between both countries, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, energy cooperation, labour relations, and diplomatic engagement. His arrival has been met with optimism from the Nigerian community in Qatar, who see his appointment as an opportunity to enhance diaspora relations and promote Nigeria's interests in the Gulf region.
