President Bola Tinubu has called on Qatari business leaders to report any Nigerian officials who demand bribes in exchange for doing business in the country. He emphasized that Nigeria is committed to overcoming past challenges of corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks that hindered ease of doing business.
Speaking at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, Tinubu assured international investors that Nigeria is ready for serious business and pledged to tackle any entrenched interests that undermine investor confidence. He urged Qatari businessmen to promptly report any government official requesting bribes, assuring them of direct access to him.
Tinubu highlighted ongoing reforms in Nigeria, emphasizing that obstacles from the past will not impede future progress. He assured investors that their funds will have easy mobility in and out of the country, as Nigeria continues to remove barriers to investment.
The President also emphasized the strengthened fight against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria with the appointment of Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as National Security Adviser. Tinubu expressed his commitment to building a nation driven by good people and emphasized the vast opportunities available in various sectors such as oil and gas, solid minerals, tourism, hospitality, and healthcare.
Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, welcomed the Nigerian delegation and expressed Qatar’s interest in exploring opportunities in Nigeria, given its population and market.
The Nigerian delegation included several state governors and ministers from various sectors, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering bilateral economic partnerships.
The Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum serves as a platform for both countries to collaborate and achieve their joint objectives, particularly in low-carbon initiatives, mineral products, petroleum chemicals, industry, and consumables.
The meeting concluded with a shared vision of cooperation and the potential for fruitful collaboration between Nigeria and Qatar.