Nigeria’s former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has officially resumed duty as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, receiving a warm welcome from Qatari officials and members of the diplomatic community on arrival in Doha.
Ambassador Yakubu arrived in the Qatari capital on Wednesday and was received at the airport by the Director of the Protocol Department of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro.
In a show of solidarity and diplomatic goodwill, no fewer than 13 African Ambassadors were on hand to welcome the Nigerian envoy. Also present were the Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Dr Philip Mshelbila, and the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Qatar, Mr Michael Ndukaihe Ihekwaba.
A statement issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said Ambassador Yakubu brings a wealth of experience and an impressive public service record to his new diplomatic assignment.
The statement noted that during his decade-long tenure as INEC Chairman from 2015 to 2025, Yakubu spearheaded key electoral reforms that strengthened Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to the statement, he played a major role in expanding the use of technology in elections, improving voter accreditation systems and enhancing public confidence in the country’s electoral institutions.
Widely regarded as a committed advocate of transparency, professionalism and democratic governance, Yakubu successfully supervised several national and off-cycle elections during his time at the electoral commission.
His appointment as Ambassador to Qatar, the statement added, reflects the Federal Government’s confidence in his leadership qualities, experience and capacity to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
As Nigeria’s chief envoy in Doha, Ambassador Yakubu is expected to deepen bilateral relations between both countries, especially in the areas of trade, investment, energy, education and cultural exchanges.
Observers say his diplomatic experience and extensive public service background will further strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Qatar, one of the Middle East’s leading economic and investment destinations.
