Nigeria Condoles With Qatar Over Death Of Former Emir Sheikh Hamad

Nigeria has sent condolences to Qatar after the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the country’s former Emir and Father Amir.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed the message in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa. The ministry said Nigeria stood with Qatar, the Al Thani family and the Qatari people during the mourning period.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. Channels TV reported that Qatar’s government announced his death on Sunday, July 12, 2026, and Daily Post said he died at the age of 74.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu sent Nigeria’s condolences to Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Nigerian statement described Sheikh Hamad as a leader whose years in power helped shape modern Qatar.

Daily Post reported that Qatar declared four days of national mourning beginning Monday, with government ministries and public institutions to suspend work and flags to be flown at half-mast.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post, Channels TV