The Nigerian community in Qatar has honoured Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Gulf country, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for improving consular services and strengthening support for Nigerians living there.
The award was presented by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Qatar chapter (NIDO-Qatar), during a ceremony in Doha to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The event attracted members of the Nigerian diaspora, representatives of the Qatari government and members of the diplomatic corps, who gathered to celebrate the country’s independence and recognise contributions to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
Among the dignitaries present was Kholoud Saif Al Kubaisi, Executive Director of the Workers Support and Insurance Fund under Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.
Yakubu received the recognition following improvements in consular operations since he assumed duty in Doha, particularly the resolution of passport-related challenges affecting Nigerians in the country.
The Nigerian mission recently facilitated the issuance of new passports to hundreds of Nigerians in Qatar within two weeks, addressing delays that had created difficulties for members of the diaspora community.
Valid passports are essential for international travel, employment and compliance with immigration and residency requirements in host countries.
In his response, Yakubu commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, for facilitating the deployment of an intervention team and expediting passport production.
He said effective coordination among the Nigerian diplomatic mission, the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Service was instrumental to the swift resolution of the challenges.
Presenting the award alongside members of the organisation’s executive committee, NIDO-Qatar President, Michael Ndukaihe Ihekwaba, praised the embassy for its proactive approach to citizen diplomacy and engagement with Nigerians living abroad.
The recognition underscores the importance of responsive consular services in protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
