Youth Council urges FG to lift suspension of Expatriate Employment Levy

By Olumide Olusegun |

The National Youth Council of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to lift the temporary suspension on the Expatriate Employment Levy.

President Bola Tinubu in March launched the Expatriate Employment Levy as a mandatory fee imposed on employers hiring expatriate staff in Nigeria.

In view of the escalating influx of foreign labour into the country, the Federal Government deemed it necessary to introduce the initiative to balance economic expansion, social equity, and workforce enhancement.

But barely a week after the announcement of the implementation, the Federal Government suspended the policy following a widespread condemnation from private sector groups.

However, the Forum of State Chairmen of NYCN kicked against the ban, saying the programme has the potential to address both economic and security challenges facing the nation.

Speaking during a press conference at the Youth House in Ibadan, the Chairman, Abdul-Salam Abdul-Quadri said funds generated from the levy would boost youth employment and foster entrepreneurship.

He said, “The Forum of the State Chairmen of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), under the leadership of Amb. Comrade Abdul-Salam Abdul-Quadri Olusegun (FEIP) on April 20, 2024, has pledged their solidarity to the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to enhance Nigeria’s economy and society.

“We also commend the dedication of the governors of all 36 states in supporting President Tinubu’s initiatives aimed at uplifting the living standards of Nigerians, particularly the youth.

“Remember, a month ago, the NYCN President, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, along with other members of the National Executive Council, held a press conference in Abuja to express the Youth Council’s stance on the Expatriate Employment Levy.

“In solidarity with the national leadership, and recognizing the introduction of the levy by former President Muhammadu Buhari to enhance job prospects for young Nigerians, President Tinubu has continued this effort to keep skilled workers in Nigeria, foster local technology, and ensure fair job opportunities for both Nigerians and foreigners.

“The NYCN Chairmen Forum wholeheartedly supports the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy in Nigeria, viewing it as a significant measure to ensure fair job access across the nation, particularly for Nigerian youth.

“The EEL aims to regulate the employment of expatriates in Nigeria while encouraging the recruitment and training of local talent, including young Nigerians. By imposing levies on companies that hire expatriates, the EEL seeks to incentivize the hiring and development of Nigerian workers, thereby reducing dependence on foreign labor and fostering indigenous capacity building.

“The NYCN Chairmen believe that the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy will generate more job opportunities for Nigerian youth, mitigating the high unemployment rate among them and enhancing their economic prospects.

“Moreover, the EEL will contribute to the cultivation of a skilled workforce in Nigeria by promoting the recruitment and training of local workers, enabling young Nigerians to acquire valuable skills and experience, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the job market and supporting long-term economic growth.

“NYCN supports the EEL as it endeavors to diminish dependence on expatriates in Nigeria, motivating businesses to invest in the training and development of Nigerian employees. Furthermore, the implementation of the EEL will catalyze the promotion of local talent, enabling young Nigerians to actively contribute their skills and expertise to the nation’s advancement across diverse sectors.

“The NYCN Chairmen endorse the EEL as the funds generated from it can be channeled into programs and initiatives dedicated to bolstering youth employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing skill development, ensuring a positive cycle of empowerment and progress for the Nigerian youth demographic.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promptly lift the temporary hold on the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy, underscoring its potential to expeditiously address both economic and security challenges facing the nation.

“The NYCN Chairmen implore the Federal Government, relevant ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders to endorse and diligently pursue the successful implementation of the policy for the benefit of millions across the nation.

“We advocate for collaboration among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations to ensure the successful execution of the EEL and the achievement of its objectives, thus fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for Nigerian youth and laying the groundwork for sustainable development and economic growth.”