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President Bola Tinubu has urged Qatari investors not to offer a bribe to any Nigerian government officials, as he restated his administration's determination to fight corruption to the hilt and entrench a conducive business environment.
Tinubu made the plea during the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
The President, who is currently on a state visit to Qatar to establish collaboration and investment opportunities between the two countries, also asked investors in the Arabian nation to report any Nigerian government official who asks for a bribe.
He promised that his government would deal decisively with any entrenched interests in the country that chip away at investor's confidence in the Nigerian economy.
Tinubu 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.”
While stressing that Nigeria is ready to change the narrative of it being a corrupt nation, the President urged the investors no let their perceptions of the country become a hindrance.
“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 assure you, it is free entry and free exit. Your funds will flow smoothly into and out of our country. Bring your investments,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that a significant step has been taken in the efforts to strengthen the war against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria, 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.
“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,” he added.