Yakubu Assumes Role as Nigeria's Ambassador to Qatar

Professor Mahmood Yakubu has officially taken on the role of Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Qatar, arriving in Doha on Wednesday. He was warmly received at the airport by the Director of Protocol from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, along with 13 African ambassadors.

Yakubu, who served as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from 2015 to 2025, oversaw significant electoral reforms that strengthened Nigeria's electoral process. His extensive experience in public service is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria's diplomatic and economic interests in the Middle East.

The Nigerian government anticipates that his leadership will further strengthen relations with Qatar, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. Rabiu Ibrahim, a special assistant to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed these developments on Thursday, June 18, 2026.