Investor tax incentives

Investment projects compendium

Investors Guide

Kano Tourism Investment Masterplan 2024

With Nigeria’s largest non-oil economy, Kano provides a diversified investment landscape spanning major industries like agriculture, manufacturing, commodity exchange, and solid minerals. Strategically located within northern trade routes, investors benefit easy connectivity across West Africa.

Positioned at crossroads of rich agricultural areas and access to Niger Republic exports and Cote d’Ivoire markets. Kano also links major population centres in Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa in North to the rest of Nigeria.

Kano remains the largest non-oil economy in the country with an estimated $12.39 Billion market size driven by commerce, manufacturing and subsistence agriculture

A major producer of crops like rice, tomatoes, soybeans. We have a ton of fertile land for high-value cultivation

The Kano State Investment Agency and Diaspora (KanInvest) is a government agency mandated to promote and facilitate Investment and Trade in the state. KanInvest hereby provides a compilation of estimated business operating costs in Kano State. The cost summaries were gathered from key institutions, relevant to investment and business establishment in the state.

All charges reflect the most current Naira to US Dollar exchange rate at time of publication, which was 1 USD = 1500 NGN, unless otherwise advised by the concerned institution. Please note that prevailing exchange rates will apply for actual transactions.

The business operating cost overview document linked below aims to serve as a guide for potential investors and companies looking to operate in Kano State. We strive to ensure transparency on taxation, fees and general expenses involved with launching and administering a business.

Click here to download the Kano State Operating Cost Reference Guide

Kano Free Trade Zone provides every service possible to the companies set up in the free zone and also uplifts the economy of the country.

Kano Free Trade Zone is the second free trade zone in Nigeria which is owned by the federal government and is located in Panisau Road area of the Ungogo Local Government Area. The sponsor/developer of the Kano free Trade Zone is the federal government, and though it was proclaimed as an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in 1998, it was later converted into a Free Trade Zone in 2001 by gaining approval from the president-in-council. Its area of specialization is in warehousing, manufacturing and providing logistic services.

Covering almost 262 hectares of land, the Free Trade Zone is fully operational and provides a very competitive environment for all the companies set up in the zone. A total of 33 companies have been registered in the free-zone out of which 13 of them have started their operations. The region also consists of 19 massive warehouses which are being utilized by the above mentioned 13 of the companies which are set up in the free zone and are fully functional.

In the year 2010, Kano Free Trade Zone received a grant of ₦ 5.2 billion from the federal government of Nigeria for the development of the free zone. This grant will help in increasing the efficiency of the various services in the region and will also allow the management to develop more infrastructure suited to the needs of the businesses in the area. There were many other significant upgrades made to the free zone such as making a joint task force which will improve and increase the commercial activities in the zone, Great improvement on Foreign Direct Investors from all over the world.

Many investors and entrepreneurs are still unfamiliar with the multiple benefits that a free zone can provide to a company. The Government of Nigeria is working towards spreading the awareness of the various benefits of the free zone.  The Kano State pension trust fund is providing its services to the companies in the Kano Free Trade Zone and is helping in the development

The various benefits that a company set up in the free zone can avail are:

• • Complete Ownership and Repatriation of Profits:

    A foreign businessman does not require a local sponsor and can own 100% of the company in the free zone. All the profits and dividends can be sent back to the entrepreneurs’ home country.
    

  • No application of Import License or any Expatriate Quota:

    A company set up in the free zone does not require an import license to import any goods or raw materials and also the companies have don’t expect to maintain the expatriate quota. According to the expatriate quota, a company needs to get approval before hiring any foreign employees or directors for a business.

  • Duty- free, Tax-free import of specific goods:

    If the company is set up in the free zone, it does not need to follow the regulations that are being developed in the country. This means that the companies do not need to pay any import duty or any tax related to the import and export of raw materials.

  •  No Strikes or Lockouts:

    The employees of a company formed in the free zone can’t have strikes or lockouts for at least the initial ten years of setting up the company.

  • No Rent during the first six months of Construction

    The company won’t be charged any rent during the first six months while the necessary infrastructure is created.

  • Approvals for all Permits and Licenses under a Single Roof

    All the required permits and licenses will be accessible at one place. This would significantly reduce the duration for the period of the commencement of the business activities.

  • Complete Tax Holiday

    Laws that are mostly observed by companies all over the country are not followed in the free zones. The companies do not need to pay any taxes, duties or levies

  • Permission to sell 100% of goods domestically

    Enterprises that have been set up in the free zones have agreement to sell their products in the country. They are also allowed to sell any imports which they bring in. 

There are many reasons for an entrepreneur to choose Kano Free Trade Zone over the other free zones in Nigeria, such as:

• • Enterprises set up in KFTZ have permission to sell 100% of the manufactured, assembled or imported goods in the domestic market.
  • Kano state is in close to many other West African Countries like Chad, Niger, Mali etc. which could serve as export markets for the companies.
  • While selling the produced goods in the domestic markets, the import duty on goods manufactured in the Free Zone is usually ascertained based on the value of the raw materials or components used in assembly.
  • Kano is the largest consumer market in Nigeria, with a population of 13 million people (approx).
  • There are abundant natural resources present nearby such as Gum, Sesame seeds, Groundnuts, Garlic, Tomatoes, Pepper, Ginger, etc.
  • Kano Free Trade Zone is a part of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which was approved by the U.S. Congress. The primary purpose of this act is to improve economic relations between the two countries.
  • Availability of skilled and unskilled labour at competitive rates.
  • 100% ownership of the investment.
  • 100% repatriation of capital, profits and dividends.

Formation of a company in the Kano Free Trade Zone is very beneficial to both the budding entrepreneurs and also the economy of the country of Nigeria. The free zone will also provide a platform to increase employment in the country and thus help uplift the GDP.

Setting up a business in the free zones requires the businessman to go through certain stages. These steps are:

• • First, download or pick up an application form from the Management of Kano Free Trade Zone/NEPZA Headquarters. This Application would cost $500 or its naira equivalent.
  • Please fill out the application form and then submit it to the Kano Free Trade Zone or NEPZA Headquarters in Abuja along with the required documents
  • After gaining approval, an operating licence can be obtained, which would be enough to incorporate your business in Nigeria officially. After the permit is received, the free zone management will assign a specific space for you to develop the needed infrastructure.
  • Get a certificate of capital importation from the bank in the free zone.
  • Build the necessary infrastructure required by your business and must submit the required documents within the first three months after the execution of the agreement.
  • Commence your business!

Kano attracts steady FDI inflows largely from Asia and the Middle East. Key investing countries include India, Spain, Canada, France and United States of America directing funds towards sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, solid mineral extraction and processing.

The Kano State government reported a rebound in investment commitments for 2022 after a pandemic related slowdown. 

In line with federal economic development priorities, Kano positions itself as an attractive destination for FDI in agriculture, mining and manufacturing industries.

Specific opportunities highlighted include textile mill construction to process locally grown cotton, integrated tomato processing facilities to enable exports, packaged consumer goods manufacturing and machineries production leveragingmetalworking capacities.

To further attract investors, Kano offers incentives like Zero percent VAT on all Agribusiness, 100% profit Repatriation for Foreigners, streamlined business registration via One-Stop Investment Centers and land access facilitated through long term leases. 

Additional specific priority sector incentives, streamlining of approvals processes and infrastructure upgrades remain vital to improve rankings that assess the national and subnational ease of doing business.

Specific opportunities highlighted include textile mill construction to process locally grown cotton, integrated tomato processing facilities to enable exports, packaged consumer goods manufacturing and machineries production leveragingmetalworking capacities.

Kano State operates within the federal legal system of Nigeria governed by English common law practices. Property rights protections and avenues for fair legal recourse are upheld by Kano’s high court system, guided by the fundamentals of the 1999 Nigerian constitution.

The Kano State government actively welcomes foreign direct investment and privatization across all major industries including manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals extraction and services. No restrictions exist on the ownership structure or location of private investment projects.

Nigeria’s flexible foreign exchange policies enabled by the Central Bank provide reassurance for foreign investors in Kano State. Full repatriation allowances cover investor profits, dividends, interests from approved loans as well as payments for contracts, royalties and management fees per Nigeria’s investment code.

The Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission Act guides business establishment while the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency facilitates all investment matters including permits, land, taxation and coordination with municipal agencies. The Kano State Facilitation Centre assists new enterprises handle company registration, immigration needs and licensing requirements from one central location.  

Incentives offered to investors under national and state-level programs include attractive tax holidays, capital allowances, export expansion grants as well as customs duty waivers – over and above Nigeria’s already low corporate tax rates averaging under 25 percent.

Kano, with its strategic location and economic potential, is poised for significant growth in various sectors. The state places emphasis on specific industries to bolster economic development and enhance its contribution to the GDP. The current focus areas include:

Agriculture: Kano aims to strengthen its agricultural sector, promoting crop cultivation, livestock farming, and agribusiness initiatives to achieve sustainable growth.

Manufacturing: The state is actively encouraging investments in manufacturing industries, with a focus on textiles, food processing, and other value-added production.

Solid Minerals: Kano boasts untapped solid mineral resources, and the government is keen on leveraging these for economic advancement. The identified minerals include limestone, gypsum, kaolin, and others.

Information Technology: Recognizing the importance of the digital economy, Kano is working to create an enabling environment for IT-related investments, fostering innovation and technological advancements.

Renewable Energy: The state is actively exploring opportunities in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, to meet growing energy demands and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Tourism: Kano is striving to unlock its tourism potential by developing infrastructure and attractions to attract both domestic and international visitors.

These sectors present specific investment opportunities for interested parties, ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to solid minerals, technology, renewable energy, and tourism. The government envisions a diversified and vibrant economy for Kano, with these sectors playing a pivotal role in achieving that goal.

The Kano state government is implementing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to address the challenges in infrastructure development. The Kano Master Plan underwent a thorough review to enhance planning and execution of major infrastructure projects, tackling issues like traffic congestion, inaccessibility, and shanty settlements. 

Due to limited government funding for essential services, the PPP model involves collaboration with private sectors for infrastructure development. The state government is investing over N150 billion in critical infrastructure, adopting various PPP arrangements, such as the build-operate-transfer model, to attract private investment.

Several PPP projects have been initiated, including the construction of the Economic City of Kano in partnership with Brains and Hammers Company Ltd. This involves a joint venture, with the private developer sourcing funds for a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement. 

Several PPP projects have been initiated, including the construction of the Economic City of Kano in partnership with Brains and Hammers Company Ltd. This involves a joint venture, with the private developer sourcing funds for a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement. 

The project aims to boost economic development, offering mortgage arrangements to make it accessible to a wider population. Additionally, the government is involved in projects like the Yan Tebura Mall and the redevelopment of the former Daula Hotel in collaboration with private investors.

The Kano Economic City is designed to have 10,000 shops, warehouses, trailer parks, grain silos, filling stations, and spaces for various industries. The government is also addressing housing deficits through partnerships with private developers, constructing estates and planning 5,000 housing units for teachers in public schools under a PPP arrangement.

In summary, the Kano state government is leveraging the PPP model to bridge infrastructure gaps, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall development of the state.

All foreign investors looking to establish a business in Kano State must first obtain an Investment Certificate from the Kano State Investment Agency and Diaspora (KanInvest). The minimum capital requirement is an investment sum of at least US$ 50,000

To apply for the certificate, the following documents must be submitted to KanInvest for review:

• •  Investment Certificate Application Form 
  • Comprehensive Business Plan
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Passport Bio-Data Pages for Shareholders
  • Summary of Positions Requiring Foreign Personnel
  • Project Description for Environmental Impact Assessment

A non-refundable application fee of US$ 200 and issuance fee of US$ 800 apply. Payment is in US$ Cash or it’s equivalent in Naira.

KanInvest’s Internal Approval Committee evaluates applications and aims to issue Investment Certificates within 7-10 working days upon submission of complete documentation.

After obtaining the certificate, KanInvest also assists investors with additional licensing, permits and approvals required before full business operations commence based on the specific industry and projects.

DOWNLOAD INVESTMENT APPLICATION FORM

Foreign company registration in Nigeria is the main option a foreign entity/company can acquire a separate legal entity in Nigeria and legitimately carry on business. A foreign company may open for business as a secondary establishment, such as a representative office, agency, branch, or subsidiary in Nigeria. However, such a company must fulfill certain legal requirements necessary to obtain local incorporation of the Nigerian subsidiary as a separate legal entity before starting any business.

The law governing the incorporation of companies in Nigeria Companies and Allied Matters ct (CAMA) 2020 and the government agency in charge of incorporation is the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

In the same vein, every foreign individual seeking to engage in any form of business in Nigeria must also incorporate a company and meet other requirements to set up a business in Nigeria as stipulated by requisite laws.

A foreign company or foreign national may not carry on business in Nigeria or exercise any of the powers of a registered company until so incorporated.

1. 1. Company registration with CAC following the CAMA
   2. Registration with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)
   3. Tax registration and the nearby tax office to the registered address
   4. Obtainment of Nigerian Business Permit & Expatriate Quotas where an expatriate will be coming to work in Nigeria or acquire Nigerian residency status.
   5. Obtaining a residence permit, otherwise known as the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where an expatriate will be coming to Nigeria to work or become a signatory to a Nigerian bank account.
   6. Obtainment of an export certificate in case the registered company intends to export goods or raw materials out of Nigeria.
   7. Obtainment of requisite business license where the company intends to engage in a specialized sector that requires a government agency’s approval or permit.

We have within KanInvest, a section called the One Stop Service Centre (OSSC) which hosts a specialist from the Registrar of Companies who will be in a position to facilitate this process for you.

Kano State recognizes three land ownership structures: Government lands, Customary lands governed by local communities, and Private freehold lands. Foreign entities can access land via government leases or local partnerships.

Investors approach the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning specifying desired acreage, locale and land type matched with the scale and sectors of their business projects. The Lands Bureau vets applications regarding zone designations and grant considerations.  

The Kano State Investment Promotion Agency assists investors undertaking negotiations, survey administration, title transfers and registration payments required to formally secure land access rights for commercial use including construction permits. 

Land lease and certificate costs depend on factors like location, tenure period, etc. However investors can expect around ₦120,000-500,000  <<< This is a rough average, not 100% verified>>>   in upfront payments to agencies. After securing land rights, construction permits require separate municipal approvals spanning 2-6 months typically.

An investor who has acquired land and requires a construction permit in Kano needs to follow these steps:

Prepare architectural and engineering drawings for the proposed building using professionals registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) or the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

Submit a formal application to the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) along with the building plans, land title documents, company registration papers, and environmental impact assessment (if required).

Pay the necessary permit fees and development charges as determined by KNUPDA based on the size and nature of the construction. Extra scrutiny fees may apply for factories or large commercial buildings.

The building plans undergo reviews and approvals by KNUPDA’s technical committees and the Kano Urban Planning Council. Recommendations may be provided for modifications.

Once approved, KNUPDA issues a development permit specifying any terms and conditions. Permits are typically valid for 2 years and can be renewed or extended.

During construction, regular inspections are carried out by KNUPDA officials and relevant professionals to ensure conformity to the approved plans.

After completion of construction, a certificate of fitness for occupancy is obtained from KNUPDA following a final on-site assessment. This certifies the building is suitable for occupation as per safety standards.

After acquiring their investment certificate, investors are required to get a Business Residence Permit (BRP) that would allow him/her to stay in the country to carry out his/her business operations.

Below are key documents needed to apply for a BRP:  

• • Fully completed BRP Application Forms
  • Police Clearance Report
  • Detailed Business Plan
  • Proof of US$ 50,000 Capital Importation into Nigeria
  • Bank Statements Reflecting Required Minimum Capital
  • Copy of Investment Certificate
  • International Passport Bio-Data Page
  • Cover Letter from Applicant

A non-refundable processing fee of 25,000 Naira and issuance fee of 150,000 Naira apply. With all materials submitted and recommended, BRP endorsements into passports generally require 7-10 working days.  

Where foreign expertise is essential for smooth operations, companies can apply for Temporary Work Permits (TWPs) valid between 1-3 years. Renewals may be granted up to 6 years for qualifying skilled personnel. 

The TWP application to KanInvest demands submission of the forms, letters, documentation as listed above for BRPs, with additional requirements including proof of local understudy training and succession planning for knowledge transfers. Companies pay a non-refundable TWP processing fee of 25,000 Naira and issuance fee of 150,000 Naira.

As part of Nigeria, Kano offers a number of national tax incentives to encourage investment such as:

• • Pioneer Status tax holiday for certain new industries and products

  • Tax-free operations in Export Processing Zones

  • Lower company income tax rates for companies in priority sectors like agriculture and manufacturing

  • Generous capital allowance deductions and investment tax credits

  • No restrictions on capital and profit repatriation for foreign investors

In addition, the Kano State Government provides incentives such as: 

• • Tax rebates and duty waivers on imported machinery and raw materials

  • Free allocation of land in industrial estates for certain strategic investments

  • Special funding programs and loan guarantees through Kano State investment promotion agencies

Nigeria has liberalized rules regarding foreign investments and allows 100% foreign ownership in all sectors except a few such as oil & gas, banking, insurance, and arms/ammunition manufacturing. 

All investments go through a simple registration process with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC). This allows for easy capital/profit repatriation and protections against expropriation.

The Kano State Government also actively encourages foreign investors through its investment promotion agency (KanInvest). 

Key target sectors include agribusiness, textile manufacturing, tourism infrastructure, renewable energy, and solid mineral processing.

The Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (KanInvest) provides aftercare assistance to investors who have already established operations in the state. Specific services can include:

Advisory Services: 

• • Guidance on expansion opportunities and facilitating connections with local partners
  • Updates on policy/regulatory changes relevant to businesses
  • Commercial real estate advisory 

Investor Support:

• • Help resolving administrative issues and liaising with government departments

  • Identifying incentives/programs for upgrading or expanding existing investments

  • Promoting and facilitating further foreign direct investmggent by established companies

While the specifics are likely more limited than a national investment promotion agency, KanInvest aims to be a single point of contact for aftercare support in Kano. The objective is retaining investors and supporting follow-on growth and development.

Additionally, the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture works closely with state authorities and also serves member businesses across various aftercare needs.

Given Kano’s focus on driving manufacturing, aftercare support are tailored towards helping both foreign and domestic factory investors maximize productivity and benefits.