The Forum of the States chairmen, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), have urged the Federal Government to implement the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL).
EEL is a legislative measure aimed at regulating the employment of expatriates in Nigeria while simultaneously promoting the recruitment and training of local talent, including young Nigerians.
In a press conference on Tuesday in Lagos, the Chairman, NYCN states chairmen, AbdulSalam Abdul Quadri, said its implementation will create more job opportunities for Nigerian youth.
Abdulquadri, who is also the chairman of the NYCN Oyo state chapter, called on President Bola Tinubu to lift the temporary hold on implementing the EEL.
He said “The Forum of the State Chairmen of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN pledged its solidarity to the ongoing efforts of President Bola 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.
“Recall that 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 recognising 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 EEL, a mandatory fee imposed on employers hiring expatriate staff in Nigeria, serves to address specific socio-economic factors within the nation.
“Recognising the escalating influx of foreign labour into the country, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) deemed it necessary to introduce the EEL to balance economic expansion, social equity, and workforce enhancement.
“While EEL has garnered both acclaim and criticism, it remains a pivotal policy in nurturing local talent and fostering economic empowerment.
“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 labour 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, 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 endeavours 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 catalyse 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 channelled into programmes 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.
“We 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 organisations 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,” he concluded.
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