By Martha Agas
A group, Invest In United States of America (IIUSA), says its Nigeria office was established to protect potential investors from being exploited by fraudsters in their pursuit of investing in the U.S.
The Chairman, IIUSA Nigeria Forum, Fife Banks, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
Banks said that the Nigeria office would provide investors and potential investors with accurate information to make informed decisions on investments in the U.S.
The chairman stated that the office was also aimed at addressing the number of reports of fraudulent activities by unsuspecting investors.
“The office is also aimed at expanding the membership of the association while also building trust, which could encourage more consideration in U.S. investments,“ he said.
NAN reports that IIUSA is a non-profit trade association that represents the interests of the EB-5 Immigrant Investors Programme.
The investors programme is a U.S. visa programme that provides a pathway to permanent residency (green card) for foreign nationals who make a significant investment in a U.S. business.
IIUSA works to promote and improve the EB-5 programme, provide resources and support to its members, and ensure compliance with the programme`s regulations.
He said that although IIUSA debuted in Nigeria in 2022, the office formally commenced operations with his appointment as chairman, effective August 1, 2024.
He assured his commitment to using the local office to address questions and concerns by streamlining communication between U.S. investment opportunities and potential investors in Nigeria.
NAN reports that the chairman is expected to lead efforts to expand the IIUSA membership in Nigeria and West Africa.
He is also tasked with promoting the IIUSA brand as the leading source of accurate and timely information on the U.S. EB-5 visa and regional centre programmes.