The Nigerian community in Qatar has honoured Nigeria’s Ambassador to the country, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, with an award in recognition of improved consular services to Nigerians since his assumption of duty.
The award was presented during a ceremony organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Qatar to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The event was attended by the Executive Director of the Workers Support and Insurance Fund under Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, Ms Kholoud Saif Al Kubaisi, alongside members of the diplomatic community.
Yakubu’s recognition followed improvements in passport services for Nigerians living in Qatar, with hundreds of citizens recently receiving their new passports within two weeks.
The development was attributed to an intervention by the Federal Government through the prompt deployment of a team to address passport-related challenges faced by Nigerians in the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yakubu commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap for their roles in facilitating the intervention and ensuring the timely production of the passports.
He praised the minister and the immigration chief for responding to the needs of Nigerians abroad, noting the importance of efficient consular services in protecting citizens’ welfare and strengthening their confidence in government institutions.
The two-week turnaround for the passport intervention represents a significant development for Nigerians who require valid travel documents to regularise their stay, renew expired passports or attend to other immigration-related obligations.
Passport delays have been a recurring concern for Nigerians living abroad, particularly those who depend on timely document renewal for residency procedures, employment and international travel.
The intervention in Qatar underscores the importance of coordination between Nigerian diplomatic missions, the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service in delivering essential services to citizens outside the country
The Independence Anniversary celebration also provided an opportunity for members of the Nigerian community to recognise efforts aimed at improving their welfare and engagement with the Nigerian diplomatic mission.