The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have pledged to increase their cooperation to improve the oversight, record-keeping, and security of foreign nationals employed within Benue state. This agreement resulted from a discussion in Makurdi between BIPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, and Benue State Immigration Comptroller, Mrs. Grace Nkangwung.
Dr. Asemakaha noted that BIPC is responsible for approximately 75 percent of the expatriates active in the state due to its various industrial investments. To maintain better compliance, the company will now provide the NIS with complete details on its foreign workers, including their Temporary Work Permits. Dr. Asemakaha emphasized that this move supports investment while ensuring that every foreign worker is properly registered and vetted to prevent criminal elements from entering the state.
Furthermore, Dr. Asemakaha addressed past challenges faced by some expatriates during immigration interactions, acknowledging Mrs. Nkangwung for her quick efforts to settle these disputes. In response, Mrs. Nkangwung stated that the NIS has implemented new protocols to avoid similar conflicts moving forward. She requested that BIPC maintain consistent communication regarding the arrival of new staff to ensure the agency meets its statutory obligations.
Mrs. Theresa Abeda, head of Business Development at BIPC, remarked that the meeting was designed to align investment goals with strict security and regulatory compliance. Both parties expressed optimism that this closer working relationship would foster a safer business environment for future economic growth in Benue.
