Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has officially assumed office as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar.
Yakubu arrived in Doha on Wednesday and was received at the airport by Ibrahim Fakhro, Director of the Protocol Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside 13 African ambassadors, according to a statement issued by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Thursday.
His arrival marks the commencement of his diplomatic assignment following his appointment by the Federal Government as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relations with Qatar and other strategic international partners.
The Ministry stated that the warm reception accorded the former electoral commission chairman reflects the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Qatar, as well as the importance attached to diplomatic cooperation between both countries.
Yakubu, who served as INEC chairman for two terms, oversaw several electoral processes in Nigeria, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections. His transition from electoral administration to diplomacy represents a new phase in his public service career.
As ambassador, he is expected to promote Nigeria’s interests in Qatar, deepen economic and trade partnerships, facilitate investment opportunities, and enhance diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
Nigeria and Qatar have maintained growing ties in areas such as trade, aviation, education, energy, and investment, with both countries expressing commitment to expanding cooperation for mutual benefit.
Yakubu's assumption of office comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reposition Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad and strengthen the country's global engagement.
