Away in Doha, President Bola Tinubu has asked his host country’s potential Qatar investors to Nigeria, to report any government official, who requests bribes to facilitate investment in the country.
Tinubu also assured the international business community that his country is ready for serious business and that his administration would deal decisively with anyone, who undermines investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
He further pledged to remove all bottlenecks standing in the way of profitable and legitimate enterprise.
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Speaking at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, on Sunday, President Tinubu told Qatari investors that Africa’s largest economy and its systems are being reformed and upgraded.
He asked Qatar’s captains of industry to report any government official who demands a bribe or any form of inducement at any point in their business endeavour moving forward with full assurance of their direct access to the President’s Office.
“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 revolutionizing 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,” the President stated.
He 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 National Security Adviser (NSA).
“We have a man who has won many global awards for anti-corruption as an anti-corruption czar.
“My responsibility is to tell you that Nigeria is open for business, and to assure you that your investments are safe in our hands. We have men and women of great reputation here.
“And we believe we can forge a good committee that will advance our discussions to fruitful conclusions.
“A nation is an artificial entity unless there are good people to drive it. People build great nations and we have great people. We are ready,” the President affirmed.
The President also noted that Nigeria possesses vast opportunities in various fields.
“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,” the President added.
Welcoming the Nigerian delegation in the presence of Qatari captains of industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, said his country looks forward to exploring opportunities in Nigeria, owing to its population demography and market.
According to the Minister, Qatar seeks to prioritize 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.
