Benue State government has moved to shut down defaulting business premises in the state.
It said over 20,000 unregistered businesses were operating in the state.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Manasseh Alumo.
He said the ministry had received approval to commercialise the ultra modern fashion hub built and donated to the state by the federal government from Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Alumo urged business owners in the state to register their business concerns with the ministry to avoid possible shut down.
He explained that while it is the prerogative of the Benue Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, to collect revenues on behalf of the state, it is the duty of the ministry to issue Business Premises Certificates.
“For years, the ministry failed to enforce compliance on business registration and renewals.
“However, after my recent budget defence at the state assembly, it became clear that we needed to act decisively to generate revenue,” he said.
Alumo further disclosed that over 20,000 unregistered businesses were operating in the state and that enforcement teams are currently gathering data on them.
He commended Governor Alia for revitalising dormant industries and providing grants to entrepreneurs.
