By PEACE AREMU

The Kogi Government has begun moves to establish a verified database of tailors to curb impersonation and fraud in the state’s tailoring business.

The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Muhammed Shuaibu, disclosed this when the Tailors Association of Nigeria, Kogi Chapter, visited the ministry in Lokoja on Friday.

Shuaibu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Sualihat Musa-Amana, said proper documentation would enable government to identify genuine practitioners.

He said registration was essential for government to formally recognise associations and extend support to legitimate artisans across the state.

The commissioner said the association should work with the ministry’s SME Desk to compile and submit a verified membership database.

He said accurate data would enable government to identify genuine tailors and effectively target them under empowerment programmes.

Shuaibu said the database would also assist efforts to tackle individuals impersonating tailors and defrauding unsuspecting customers.

He urged the association to formally submit complaints about impersonators and other challenges affecting its members to the ministry.

The commissioner said the association’s request for an official mandate to regulate tailoring activities statewide would require enabling legislation.

He explained that the proposed legislation would have to pass through the ministry and other relevant authorities before enactment.

Shuaibu also said tailors earning below N10 million were not liable to income tax under the Federal Government’s tax reforms.

He, however, said members remained liable to the applicable business premises levy administered by the ministry.

Earlier, the association’s State Chairman, Abba Suleiman, said the visit was aimed at formally introducing its leadership and structure to government.

Suleiman said the association sought to establish a working relationship with government through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

He said the association had structures across 16 zones in Lokoja, with branches extending to other Local Government Areas.

According to him, the association had data on more than 3,000 tailors across Kogi in spite of lacking a formal government mandate.

Suleiman said the absence of official recognition and documentation had made it difficult to tackle impersonators in the industry.

He said some impostors presented themselves as tailors, collected money and expensive materials from customers before disappearing.

The chairman said formal recognition would enable the association to identify genuine practitioners and strengthen efforts against fraudulent activities.

The ministry’s directors at the meeting also emphasised registration and documentation as the basis for government recognition and support.

They cautioned the association against unauthorised individuals or groups claiming to represent tailors without proper recognition.

The ministry assured the association that a verified database would help ensure future empowerment programmes reached genuine practitioners.

The engagement, both sides said, would strengthen collaboration and promote a more organised and accountable tailoring industry in Kogi. (NAN)