The Kano State Government, through its Committee of Experts on Expatriates, has commenced the verification and registration of foreign nationals and their businesses, beginning with the renowned Kantin Kwari market.
The initiative, recently launched, aims to collect reliable data on expatriates living and doing business in the state.
During a visit to the Kantin Kwari market on Wednesday, a few expatriates, primarily Chinese and Indian nationals, participated in the registration process.
They submitted necessary documents, including passports, after which their bio-data was captured. Some of the foreign nationals came with guarantors or business partners for the registration.
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Barrister Tijjani Ahmad Fagge, a representative from the Ministry of Commerce, said the committee believes some expatriates may be evading taxes, and the purpose of the registration is to ensure all are captured in the tax net.
“The target is to determine the duration of their stay and the businesses they are running in Kano,” Fagge said, adding that over 6,000 expatriates are estimated to be residing in the state.
Although the initial five-week timeframe was set, it may be extended.
The registration will also encompass other foreign nationals, including Syrians, Lebanese, Arabs, Chadians, Nigeriens, and Cameroonians, operating in various markets across the state, such as the Dawanau international grains market, which the committee plans to visit next week.
The committee is chaired by Alhaji Lawal Isa Kibiya, a retired immigration officer, and includes representatives from various security and regulatory agencies such as the Police, DSS, Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, ministries of Commerce and Information, Kano Inland Revenue Service, Consumer Protection Council, Corporate Affairs Commission, Standard Organization of Nigeria, and market associations.
Sources within the Ministry of Commerce revealed that the trade bill registration fees paid by foreign businesses, which range from N200,000 and above, may be reviewed upward after the registration process.
Dr. Abdulsalam Kani, Executive Director of the Fiscal Discipline and Development Centre, commended the initiative, stating that the registration would positively impact the state’s economy by helping the government assess the number of foreign-owned businesses, project revenue potential, and reduce financial leakages.
He urged the government to effectively engage and sensitise stakeholders to avoid misconceptions that could discourage foreign businesses from operating in the state.
He further advised that the government ensure the registration is perceived as a means to support foreign investments, rather than a strategy to expel expatriates or overburden them with taxes, which could harm the local economy and increase unemployment.
Dr Kani suggested that foreigners engaged in businesses exclusive to locals, such as retailing textiles in Kantin Kwari, should be screened and removed from these sectors.
Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, the committee’s media officer, emphasised that the registration is part of efforts to “sanitise and secure the business environment,” ensuring expatriates comply with the necessary regulations and standards in Kano State.
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