Investors are urged by President Bola Tinubu to report any Nigerian officials who ask for bribes in advance of making an investment in the nation.
The president made this statement on Sunday at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, assuring Qatar’s capitalists that the largest economy in Africa is ready to welcome and conduct business with them.
Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a press release.
“I am here to give you the assurance that reforms are going on; forget about whatever you heard in the past,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
Additionally, Tinubu promised the investors in the Arabian nation that their money will be well-received and produce results, stressing that Nigeria will not be assessed based on 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.”
The President further stated that the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as National Security Adviser (NSA) had greatly bolstered Nigeria’s fight against corruption and insecurity.
“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.