Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has officially assumed office as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar.

Yakubu formally began his diplomatic assignment after presenting his Letters of Credence to the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, during a ceremony at the Amiri Diwan in Doha.

The presentation of the credentials officially marks the commencement of his duties as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Qatar.

Yakubu’s appointment comes after the completion of his two-term tenure as INEC chairman, a position he held from 2015 to 2025.

As ambassador, he is expected to strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Qatar while promoting cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, education and bilateral development.