President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spent part of his speech in Qatar to eulogise his National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who as pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been invited to receive an award in the Middle-East country.
Addressing his host, Tinubu said: “He (Ribadu) was here to receive recognition for anti-corruption fight. Nuhu Ribadu, stand up please.
“He was here, all over the media recognised for anti-corruption. He’s a senior member of this government, the National Security Adviser.”
Nuhu Ribadu was appointed in June 2023 as the National Security Adviser by President Tinubu.
He was appointed by President Olusegun Obasanjo as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from 2003 to 2007, the agency tasked with fighting corruption and fraud.
Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said his country made investments that yielded the desired fruits.
The Emir said: “The investments we have made around the world have been very fruitful. This is because we take our time and study opportunities before we invest in the commonwealth of our people. It is not my money.
“The money we invest belongs to the future generations of Qatar.”
Tinubu would later tell Qatari captains of industry to report any Nigerian official asking for any form of gratification before allowing them to do business in the country.
Speaking at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, on Sunday, Tinubu said: “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.”
It was part of the brief by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Sunday.
Tinubu also assured the international business community that Nigeria is ready for serious business, as his administration will deal decisively with any entrenched interests in the country that undermine investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
He also pledged to remove all bottlenecks standing in the way of profitable and legitimate enterprise, saying, “Do not let perceptions become a hindrance to your will to invest. Nigeria is serious about revolutionising investment promotion.”
The President told Qatari investors that Africa’s largest economy and its systems are being reformed and upgraded, asking Qatar businessmen 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 him.
“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,” he assured.
Tinubu also assured investors that their money would find easy mobility in and out of the economy.
He 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.”