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Report Any Official Demanding Bribe From You, Tinubu Tells Qatari Investors

Published

10 months ago

Mar 3, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu urges Qatari investors to report any Nigerian official demanding bribes.
Tinubu assures investors of reforms, ease of doing business, and protection of investments in Nigeria.
Promises to remove obstacles hindering investments and ensure free mobility of funds.

Eko Hot Blog reports that President Bola Tinubu has called on Qatari captains of industry to report any Nigerian official who demands any form of bribe before allowing them to do business in the country.

He made this statement at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha on Sunday.

“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,” Tinubu said, according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

Tinubu assured the international business community that Nigeria is ready for serious business, and his administration will deal decisively with any entrenched interests that undermine investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.

“Do not let perceptions become a hindrance to your will to invest. Nigeria is serious about revolutionising investment promotion,” the President stated, pledging to remove all bottlenecks standing in the way of profitable and legitimate enterprise.

He guaranteed investors that their money would find easy mobility in and out of the economy, stating, “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 assure you, it is free entry, and free exit. Your funds will flow smoothly into and out of our country. Bring your investments.”

Tinubu highlighted the appointment of former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser, strengthening the war against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.

“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,” the President affirmed.

The President also emphasized Nigeria’s vast opportunities in various fields, including oil and gas, solid minerals, tourism, hospitality, and healthcare, urging Qatari investors not to miss the “golden opportunity” presented by the country.

“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 investor who misses out on the golden opportunity we present,” he added.

In response, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, expressed his country’s interest in exploring opportunities in Nigeria, citing its population demography and market as essential factors.

“We look forward to working with our Nigerian counterparts to achieve our joint objectives in these sectors,” the Minister remarked, referring to Qatar’s prioritization of new investments in low-carbon initiatives, mineral products, petroleum chemicals, industry, and consumables.

The Nigerian delegation accompanying the President included various state governors, ministers, and officials, such as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Mr. Dele Oye.

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