By Abimbola Ologun
Several reactions have trailed the recently introduced Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) of 10,000 to 15,000 dollars and handbook imposed on organizations by the Nigerian Government in Abuja.
The recent backlash comes from the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) stating that many manufacturers have been forced to shut down investment while some rendered crippled due to the economic crisis rocking the country.
According to the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, about 767 manufacturers went out of operation while 335 were rendered redundant in 2023.
MAN revealed this in a statement in which he countered the recently introduced levy on expatriate employment by the Nigerian Government.
The Association stated that they were in a state of shock as this level doesn’t align with president Bola- Ahmed Tinubu agenda for a renewed hope.
The Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise expressed their concern over it.
According to the Director General of NECA, Adewale- Smatt Oyerinde, the levies are exploitative and extortionist in nature.
Oyerinde warned that the imposition of the levy as at the time when businesses are shutting down is worrisome.
He added “we are concerned at the legalities and appropriateness of the EEL as well as its effect on the economy. The provisions of a handbook can never override clear provisions of extant laws in Nigeria, especially the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the immigration Act and the local content Act among others.
The Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) faulted the expatriate level noting that it is harmful to the country’s drive for foreign direct investment.
The Director-General of the chambers, Chinyere Almona spoke in a statement titled “LCCI Perspective on Nigeria’s Expatriate Level.
She noted, “The point must be made that maintaining expatriates in Nigeria is expensive and as such our members only bring in expatriates for very critical roles that require highly technical skills that are readily available locally”
The Expatriate Employment level is a government mandated contribution that is imposed on organizations which engage expatriate workers in Nigeria.
