Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, Ahmed Munir has expressed the commitment of legislators to push for a stronger Nigeria’s export capacity as a way to bolster revenue for the nation.
The lawmaker who represents Lere Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, stated this during a working visit to the Kano Free Trade Zone and other industrial complexes in the State on Friday, stressing that his visit was targeted at observing the natural order of operations, gauging service delivery, and assessing the zone’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrialisation and export promotion agenda.
The Kano Free Trade Zone which was established in 1992 under the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Act, was designed to boost manufacturing, agro-processing, and export-driven industries in northern Nigeria.
Upon his arrival in Kano, Munir was received by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, at the Government House.
Munir and Gwarzo discussed on how to attract foreign direct investment in the areas of power, mining, and agriculture that would lead to job creation.
He said: “There is a need to forge closer collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to make Kano more competitive in regional and continental trade, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
These policies, he said, “include tax incentives, low-interest export financing, and trade facilitation measures aimed at making Nigerian products more competitive in international markets.”
The lawmaker called for revitalisation of the Kano Free Trade Zone to reposition it as a leading driver of Nigeria’s export diversification efforts, which included urgent investment in independent power generation to guarantee stable electricity, rehabilitation of internal roads.
“I also want to emphasise creation of a reliable rail system, getting the AKK Gas Pipeline on stream, enhancement of warehousing facilities to ease logistics, and ensure sustained policy consistency to restore investors confidence.
“Kano has the location, history, and manpower to lead Nigeria’s export diversification agenda,” he added.
