President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured genuine businesses intending to invest in Nigeria that his government was determined to create the conducive atmosphere for genuine businesses to thrive.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, said this in Abuja at the opening of the 2nd edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Summit (AFNIS).
He cautioned that the government would no longer tolerate criminal adventures and their criminal collaborators.
He noted, the government will do everything possible to lower the risks of investment by overcoming the temptation to interfere in the legitimate business operation of duly licensed miners.
“Dear investors, we are determined to create the conducive conditions for genuine businessmen.
“We welcome you and shall do everything possible to assist law-abiding businesses to operate in our country.
“However, we shall no longer tolerate criminal adventures and their local collaborators who exploit our socio-economic – environment to sabotage our nation, in the guise of bringing business.
“Those caught will face the full wrath of our laws, ‘” he stated.
According to the president, the AFNIS event was also an opportunity to discuss new ideas and display new technologies.
”Our country does not Intend to “reinvent the wheel”.
“We hope to leverage on the advancement of technology so that our solid minerals can catch up with the world,” he stressed.
He called on geologists, and all other professionals in the field, to put on their thinking caps, and establish Nigeria as an intellectual, professional and industrial hub in solid mineral exploitation, manufacture and export in Africa.
In his remarks, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake opined that Nigeria has witnessed the transformative potential of the solid minerals sector.
