EoDB: Nigeria is focused on path to progress and prosperity, Tinubu tells Qatari investors

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu witnesses the signing of agreements at the recent Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum, assuring the international business community that the West African country is ready for serious business with investors

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the signing of agreements between the two countries Sunday, March 3, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the international business community that Nigeria is ready for serious business.

President Tinubu, who stated this at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum Sunday, in Doha, Qatar, said his administration would deal decisively with any and all entrenched interests in the country who undermine investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, stated the Nigerian leader also pledged to remove all bureaucratic bottlenecks standing in the way of profitable and legitimate enterprise in the country’s economy.

Tinubu told Qatari investors that Africa’s largest economy and its systems are being reformed and upgraded.

Report any bribe seekers to me, Tinubu tells global investors

He, therefore, urged Qatar’s captains of industry to report any government official who demands a bribe or any form of inducement at any point in their business endeavour moving forward with full assurance of their direct access to the President’s Office.

He further explained: “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.”

According to him, 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 revolutionising 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.

Moreover, the President noted 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), Malam 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.”

‘Nigerians are men and women of great reputation ‘

The President assured the investors: “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.”

Tinubu also noted that Nigeria possesses vast opportunities in various fields.

He further informed 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.”

The Nigerian leader affirmed the mission of his visit to Qatar: “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 for Commerce and Industry, said his country looked forward to exploring opportunities in Nigeria.

The Minister drew particular attention to the West African country’s population demography and market, as Qatar seeks to prioritise new investments in low carbon initiatives, mineral products, petroleum chemicals, industry, and consumables.

Al Abdullah Al Thani also said: “We look forward to working with our Nigerian counterparts to achieve our joint objectives in these sectors.”

Ngelale stated on President Tinubu’s delegation to the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum were Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo.

In attendance at the meeting also were the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen; and the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye.

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