President Bola Tinubu has asked Qatari captains of industry to report any Nigerian official who demands any form of bribe before allowing them to do business in the country.
“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 at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, on Sunday.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement he signed Sunday titled ‘President Tinubu to Qatari investors: Report to me of my officials who obstruct progress or ask for bribe; no deviation from path to prosperity.’
Tinubu further said, “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.
“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.
“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 afaffirmed.
The president went on: “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.”
Welcoming the Nigerian delegation in the presence of Qatari captains of industry, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, said his country looks forward to exploring opportunities in Nigeria, owing to its population demography and market.
