FG Suspends Expatriate Employment Levy Amid Stakeholder Concerns

The Federal Government has decided to suspend the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) following a meeting with stakeholders led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite.

The meeting aimed to address concerns and seek clarification on the recently launched EEL guidelines.

During the discussion, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized the government’s commitment to listening to stakeholders and engaging in meaningful dialogue.

The EEL policy was introduced to discourage abuse of the Expatriate quota system and promote the development of the local workforce.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Uzoka-Anite, called for more collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure sustainable growth and create a conducive business environment.

She also stressed the need for transparent and law-abiding business practices.

Stakeholders, including the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), expressed concerns about the impact of the EEL policy on businesses and called for suspension of the policy to allow for further dialogue and consensus-building among stakeholders.

The EEL guidelines, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 27, 2024, aim to foster economic growth, nationalization efforts, knowledge transfer, and employment opportunities for Nigerians while closing wage gaps between expatriates and local workers.

The suspension of the Expatriate Employment Levy implementation demonstrates the government’s willingness to listen to stakeholders and engage in dialogue to find solutions that promote investment while safeguarding the interests of Nigerians.

The move will allow for further discussions and consensus-building among all parties involved.