The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the State of Qatar following the death of its former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away at the age of 74.
Qatar’s government announced the death on Sunday, describing the late former ruler as a visionary leader whose reign transformed the Gulf nation into a global economic and diplomatic force.
In a statement posted on its official social media platforms, the Emir’s office said:
“With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late — may God have mercy on him — His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.”
Qatari authorities announced that funeral prayers would be held on Sunday evening, while several days of national mourning have been declared across the country.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 after assuming power in a bloodless palace coup while his father was abroad.
During his 18-year reign, he spearheaded the country’s remarkable economic transformation by harnessing its vast natural gas resources, positioning Qatar as one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas and one of the richest nations globally in terms of gross domestic product per capita.
His administration also elevated Qatar’s international profile through strategic investments, diplomatic initiatives and major global sporting events.
Sheikh Hamad was the Emir when Qatar secured the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2010, making it the first Middle Eastern country to host the global football tournament.
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In June 2013, he voluntarily abdicated the throne in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in what was widely regarded as a rare and peaceful transfer of power in the modern Arab world.
Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani family and the people of Qatar.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the minister described the late former Emir as “a distinguished and visionary leader” whose contributions to Qatar’s development would endure.
“The Government of Nigeria expresses deep condolences on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, on Sunday, 12 July 2026.
“His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a distinguished and visionary leader whose transformative contributions to the development and modernization of Qatar have left an indelible mark on the nation and the wider region.
“His wisdom, dedication to progress, and commitment to international cooperation will be remembered fondly by the people of Qatar, the Gulf countries, and international partners,” the statement read.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria stands in solidarity with Qatar during the period of mourning and prayed for the repose of the late statesman.
“Nigeria stands in solidarity with Qatar during this time of grief and prays that Almighty God grant His Highness the Father Amir eternal rest in paradise, grant his family and the Qatari people patience and solace, and give them strength and comfort in this difficult time,” the statement added.
The death of Sheikh Hamad has drawn tributes from across the world, with many leaders acknowledging his pivotal role in transforming Qatar into a major economic, diplomatic and global sporting hub.