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Kano Free Trade Zone Generates ₦36bn
The Kano Free Trade Zone has generated more than ₦36 billion in customs revenue and created between 3,000 and 5,000 direct jobs between January and August 2026, according to its Director, Solomon Matthew.
Matthew said the zone, which occupies 262,000 hectares, hosts enterprises engaged in manufacturing, processing and trading.
“113 enterprises have been registered in the zone since its establishment with 87 currently functional,” he noted.
He highlighted technology transfer as a major benefit, explaining that Nigerian workers gain expertise by collaborating with expatriates.
“They employ Nigerians and Nigerians work with them, thereby getting the knowledge… At the end of the day, technology is being transferred,” he said.
Deputy Director Richard Bassey disclosed that the ₦36bn revenue represented a sharp increase from ₦24bn recorded in the whole of 2025. He attributed the rise to closer collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, which introduced inventory procedures ensuring duty is paid only on raw materials actually used in production.
The Nigeria Customs Service confirmed revenue from the zone had risen to ₦40bn since January, monitored through a live dashboard refreshed every 15 minutes. Deputy Comptroller Isah Bala said customs operations in the zone are guided by compliance, trade facilitation and accountability.
He explained that enterprises enjoy incentives to import raw materials, process them into finished goods and export, while duties are collected when products enter Nigeria’s domestic customs territory.
Officials said the zone is also stimulating small businesses around the facility through “backward linkages,” while attracting foreign direct investment as international firms bring capital to establish operations.
