FG suspends expatriate employment levy after pushback from stakeholders

The federal government has suspended the expatriate employment levy (EEL) — a week after President Bola Tinubu launched it.

EEL, launched on February 28, was introduced by the federal government to close wage gaps between expatriates and the Nigerian labour force.

The expatriate employment levy, which provides guidelines on the employment of Nigerians in foreign-owned companies, requires firms to pay levies for hiring expatriates.

Since the introduction of the policy, stakeholders have raised their concerns, saying it is harmful to the country’s drive for foreign direct investments (FDIs).

According to ThisDay, on Saturday, the decision to suspend the implementation of the EEL was made after a meeting on March 8, attended by stakeholders, Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of industry, trade and investment, as well as Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister.

However, the interior ministry was silent on the outcome in a statement issued after the meeting.

The ministry said the concerns on expatriate employment levy were addressed at the meeting.

“The Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, 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 ministry said.

“The aim of the meeting which held on Friday 8th March, 2024 in a 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.

“During the discussion, Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted the importance of striking a balance between attracting foreign investment and prioritising human capital development to benefit Nigerians.

“In her remarks, 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.”

The interior ministry said the EEL guidelines aim to foster economic growth, nationalisation efforts, knowledge transfer, and employment opportunities for Nigerians while closing wage gaps between expatriates and local workers.