Kano partners immigration to document foreign business

The Kano State Government has concluded arrangements to collect data on foreign businesses and investments operating in the state for economic and security purposes.

The government also disclosed the need for strong synergy with the Nigerian Immigration Service to ensure that foreign business activities align with the state’s economic objectives and benefit its residents.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Investment, and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, mentioned this development when he paid a familiarisation visit to the Kano Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Sagagi pointed to the responsibility of the service to step up monitoring of foreigners coming into Kano for business activities. However, he stressed the need to deepen intelligence to better understand the nature of their activities and their impact on the state’s economy.

The commissioner reminded everyone that Kano is a hospitable state that welcomes investors from both local and international businesses, being the economic nerve centre of the North.

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He called for collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure that businesses designated solely for Nigerians are not taken over by foreigners in the state. He noted that such measures are crucial to improving security and fostering economic growth in the state.

“No country in the world allows all manner of people to come under all kinds of guises and be given visas and whatever is required to reside in the country. Visit the commercial centres in Kano, and you will find expatriates selling tables, chairs, bread, and other businesses that Nigerians can do.”

“It will assist us to have data on foreigners transacting business in the state and the nature of the businesses they are involved in so that such information will assist the state in planning and policy formulation,” Sagagi stated.

The Controller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kano Command, Bala Kabir Dorayi, in response, appreciated the commissioner’s visit and expressed readiness to collaborate with the state government to improve business activities with the provision of the needed security to enhance the state’s economic growth.