President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combat corruption and foster a conducive business environment during the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, delivering a stern message to potential investors and government officials alike.
Addressing attendees at the forum, President Tinubu emphasized the imperative of eradicating corrupt practices and restoring investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
He urged Qatari investors to refrain from engaging in bribery and to promptly report any solicitation for illicit payments by Nigerian government officials.
Assuring investors of ongoing reforms, President Tinubu underscored his administration’s determination to address entrenched interests that undermine the nation’s economic progress.
He assured participants that past impediments were being overcome, with a firm commitment to eliminating obstacles to investment.
“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,” Tinubu said
“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”.
According to Tinubu, the war against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria had been significantly strengthened with the appointment of a 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,” he said.
“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.”
