Considering the noteworthy concerns of stakeholders, Federal Government has temporarily suspended the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL).
This development was made by Ozoya Imohimi, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Interior, in a statement released on Friday night.
According to Imohimi, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, engaged in a dialogue with a delegation led by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, to address concerns and seek clarification on the recently launched EEL guidelines.
He added that the meeting, held in Abuja on Friday, was geared towards fostering constructive dialogue and explore ways to enhance policy implementation while ensuring the welfare of Nigerians and promoting investment.
It was resolved during the meeting that the implementation of the EEL policy should be put on hold for further dialogue among stakeholders. Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s commitment to listening to stakeholders and finding solutions that strike a balance between attracting foreign investment and prioritizing human capital development.
The EEL policy, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 27, 2024, aims to discourage the 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 the private sector to ensure sustainable growth and a conducive business environment.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Hon. Dele Kelvin Oye, expressed concerns about the policy’s impact on businesses and called for its suspension to allow for further dialogue and consensus-building among stakeholders.
The government assured stakeholders of its commitment to transparent and law-abiding business practices, focusing on security and economic prosperity. The Ministry expressed its willingness to engage further and find mutually acceptable solutions in collaboration with the private sector.
