President Bola Tinubu on Sunday said his administration has zero tolerance for corruption, telling Qatari investors not to hesitate in reporting any of his officials that demand bribe when they decide to invest in Nigeria.
Tinubu who is on a visit to Qatar, told the international business community that Nigeria is ready for serious business.
He assured that his administration will deal decisively with any and all entrenched interests in the country who undermine investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
He also promised to remove all bottlenecks standing in the way of profitable and legitimate enterprise in Nigeria.
The President gave the charge at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, on Sunday.
According to him, Africa’s largest economy and its systems are being reformed and upgraded.
“For you Qatar’s captains of industry report any government official who demands a bribe or any form of inducement at any point in your business endeavour. I give you full assurance of your 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.
The Nigerian President added 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.”
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.
He said the country is prioritizing 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.