NewsNigeriaPolitics“Nigeria is open for business,” Tinubu tells foreign investors in Qatar

President Bola Tinubu is urging foreign investors to troop into Nigeria despite the economic uncertainties in the country.

Tinubu marketed Nigeria to Arab investors at the Nigerian-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, on Sunday, saying that his reforms in the last nine months favour innovation and investments.

“I am here to give you the assurance that reforms are going on; forget about whatever you heard in the past. Whatever the obstacle or problem that some of you might have experienced; it is in the past, because there is no obstacle in the future,” the President said.

“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.”

Among the obstacles that discourage foreigners from doing business in Nigeria are bribery and corruption.

Tinubu acknowledged this but quickly remarked that anyone who demands a bribe should be reported.

“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 revolutionising investment promotion,” he said.

President departed for Qatar on Thursday, 29 February for an official visit in honour of an invitation by His Highness, Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar.

Accompanying the President on the visit were the Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum; the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

Others include the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Minister of Youth, Jamila Bio Ibrahim; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperipe Ekpo; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen; and the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye.