The Federal Government through the National President, of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Dele Kelvin Oye has announced the suspension of the implementation of the recently enacted Expatriate Employment Levy by the Federal Ministry of Interior, as administered by the Nigerian Immigration Service. Director, of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Interior, Ozoya Imohimi announced this in a statement on Friday night. He said the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had met with a delegation led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite, to address concerns and seek clarification on the recently launched Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) guidelines.
“The aim of the meeting which was held on Friday 8th March 2024 in Abuja was to foster constructive dialogue and explore ways to enhance the implementation of the policy while ensuring the welfare of Nigerians and promoting investment. “However, it was resolved at the meeting that the implementation of the policy should be put on hold for further dialogue among stakeholders”, he stated.
During the discussion, Dr. Tunji-Ojo stressed the Federal Government’s commitment to listening to stakeholders and engaging in meaningful dialogue. He also noted the importance of striking a balance between attracting foreign investment and prioritizing human capital development to benefit Nigerians.
“We understand the concerns raised by stakeholders, and we are committed to finding solutions that promote investment while safeguarding the interests of Nigerians,” the Minister said, adding that the EEL policy was initiated to discourage abuse of the Expatriate quota system and promote the development of the local workforce.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo further reiterated the government’s focus on security and economic prosperity, emphasizing the need for transparent and law-abiding business practices. He assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s willingness to engage further and find mutually acceptable solutions.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Uzoka-Anite, in her submission called for more collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure sustainable growth and create a conducive business environment.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Hon. Dele Kelvin Oye, expressed concerns about the impact of the EEL policy on businesses. He called for the suspension of the policy to allow for further dialogue and consensus-building among stakeholders.
Other members of the delegation include the President of the Petroleum Technology Association, the President of the Special Economic Zones Association, the Director General of The Nigerian Turkiye Business Council, the Head of the European Union Trade Delegation, the Chair of Digital Trade Group at NACCIMA, and representatives from the National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (NASME).
The EEL guidelines, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 27th February 2024, aim to foster economic growth, nationalization efforts, knowledge transfer, and employment opportunities for Nigerians while closing wage gaps between expatriates and local workers.
