President Bola Tinubu has called on investors to report any of the Nigerian officials who demand bribes from them before they invest in the country.
The president said this during the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, on Sunday while assuring the Qatar’s capitalists of the readiness of Africa’s largest economy to accommodate and do business with them.
This was made known in a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
“I am here to give you the assurance that reforms are going on; forget about whatever you heard in the past,” Tinubu said.
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“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.”
Tinubu also assured the Arabian country’s investors that their investments would be appreciated and would yield results, adding that Nigeria will not be judged by its past
“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,” the president stated.
“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.”
Moreover, the President 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), Mallam 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.
Tinubu also noted that Nigeria possesses vast opportunities in various fields, telling his host: “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 anticipates to exploring opportunities in Nigeria, owing to its population demography and market, as it 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,” Al Thani said.
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