President Bola Tinubu has urged Qatari investors to report any government official who demands a bribe or any form of inducement at any point in their business endeavour in Nigeria.
Tinubu, who assured the investors of their direct access to his office at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, said Nigeria is ready for serious business. The president stressed that his administration would deal decisively with all entrenched interests in the country that undermine investor confidence in the Nigerian economy. He said these while speaking at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
President Tinubu told Qatari investors that Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, and its systems are being reformed and upgraded, saying: “I am here to give you the assurance that reforms are going on; forget about whatever you heard in the past. Whatever is the obstacle or problem that some of you might have experienced; it is in the past, because there is no obstacle in the future.
“Do not offer a bribe to any of our people, and if it is requested or taken from you, report to us. You will have access to me. Nigeria will no longer be defined by the past, but by what we do now and moving forward. Do not let perceptions become a hindrance to your will to invest. Nigeria is serious about revolutionising investment promotion.
“We are removing obstacles today and we are going to continue to remove all obstacles. We have done so much within nine months. And I am assuring you, it is free entry, and free exit. Your funds will flow smoothly into and out of our country. Bring your investments.”
Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, noted that the war against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria had been significantly strengthened with the appointment of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, as the National Security Adviser (NSA).
He added that Nigeria possesses vast opportunities in various fields, saying: “We have oil and gas; we have solid minerals. I do not see why we cannot become prolific partners in exploring iron ore, as well as steel production, and energy across the board.
“I am here to give you assurances in all spheres: tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and in many other opportunities that abound around us. Do not be the investors who miss out on the golden opportunity we present.”
Welcoming the Nigerian delegation in the presence of Qatari captains of industry, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, said his country looks forward to exploring opportunities in Nigeria, owing to its population demography and market, as it seeks to prioritise new investments in low carbon initiatives, mineral products, petroleum chemicals, industry, and consumables.
“We look forward to working with our Nigerian counterparts to achieve our joint objectives in these sectors,” the minister said.
