Features Nigeria Tourism News Tourism News Nigeria, Qatar Set to Sign MoU on Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Familugba VictorOctober 14, 20250460 views Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy held discussions with Qatari officials to strengthen cultural exchange, arts, and tourism ties. The meeting, held in Abuja on October 13, aimed to foster mutual growth and understanding between the two nations. Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa met with H.E. Dr Ali Ghamen Al-Hajri, Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, to explore opportunities for collaboration. Musawa highlighted Nigeria’s vibrant cultural heritage, including its music, film industry, and artistic traditions, and expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Qatar to preserve and showcase Nigerian artefacts. “Our relationship with the Gulf is essential but not complete without Qatar. We have shared alignments with the Fulani, Hausas, and Kanuris in Qatar. “We generate content through music, the movie industry, and the arts. We have been very active in recovering most of our artefacts, such as the Benin bronzes, and we are keen to work with Qatar to preserve and display them. We also look forward to having a memorandum of understanding on how our culture, music and active tourism partnerships can benefit both countries,” Musawa added. RELATED NEWS Nigeria, Saint Lucia Sign MoU to Strengthen Tourism & Creative Industries Ekiti’s Sagbonke Mountain Climb: Gov. Oyebanji’s Bold Step Toward Tourism Growth FG, Katsina Partner to Revitalise Domestic Tourism with New MoU The Qatari ambassador emphasised Qatar’s dedication to advancing cultural initiatives as a tool for diplomacy and fostering connections between nations. He acknowledged the strengthened economic ties between Nigeria and Qatar in sectors such as aviation, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, and agriculture, driven by ongoing diplomatic efforts. “Qatar is committed to collaborating with Nigeria to promote culture, increase tourism, and create mutually beneficial partnerships. The potential of Nigeria’s creative industry and its global influence is widespread. “It will be mutually beneficial to officially document this conversation in an MOU to boost Nigeria’s cultural richness, international collaborations, and the potential for growth in the creative industry and tourism sector, including cultural events, art exhibitions, and exchange programmes,” Al-Hajri said. The discussions underscored the growing role of cultural diplomacy in enhancing Nigeria-Qatar relations. Both nations aim to deepen collaboration through initiatives like cultural events, artistic exhibitions, and exchange programmes that drive tourism and economic growth. A potential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was discussed to formalise the partnership, and both sides were optimistic about its impact. The meeting was attended by key figures, including Dr Kabir Ali Masanawa, Executive Director of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau; Chioma Ude, Founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AfRIFF); Moriam Ajaga, Special Adviser to the President on Culture; and Abiola Abdulkareem, Special Adviser to the Minister on Sub-national Development. Embark on a thrilling journey through Nigeria’s rich tourism, timeless traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Our stories at Rex Clarke Adventures ignite wanderlust and celebrate Africa’s cultural heartbeat. Dive into our blog for unforgettable tales of discovery! Share this journey, spark conversations, and join us in preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy while showcasing its tourism treasures for generations to come. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers What was the purpose of the Nigeria-Qatar meeting on October 14, 2025? The meeting aimed to strengthen cultural exchange, arts, and tourism relations between Nigeria and Qatar, fostering mutual growth through potential collaborations. Who attended the Nigeria-Qatar cultural discussion? Key attendees included Nigeria’s Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Qatar’s Ambassador H.E. Dr Ali Ghamen Al-Hajri, DDrKabir Ali Masanawa, Chioma Ude, Moriam Ajaga, and Abiola Abdulkareem. What is the significance of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)? The MOU would formalise the partnership, promoting cultural events, art exhibitions, exchange programmes, and the preservation of artefacts to boost tourism and cultural ties. How do Nigeria and Qatar plan to collaborate culturally? Both nations plan to collaborate through cultural events, art exhibitions, and exchange programmes, leveraging Nigeria’s creative industry and Qatar’s cultural diplomacy initiatives. What cultural aspects did Nigeria highlight during the meeting? Nigeria emphasised its rich heritage, including music, the film industry, the arts, and efforts to recover and preserve artefacts, such as the Benin Bronzes. How have Nigeria and Qatar strengthened their relationship recently? The two countries have enhanced economic ties through diplomatic engagements across sectors such as aviation, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, and agriculture. Why is cultural diplomacy important for Nigeria and Qatar? Cultural diplomacy fosters mutual understanding, strengthens international relations, and drives tourism and economic growth through shared cultural initiatives.