The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has applauded the proactive reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to revitalize the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
NYCN President, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo in a press statement applaud these reform efforts, adding that it’s evident that they have brought about challenges and hardships for many Nigerians, particularly the youth.
He called for urgent measures and policies to alleviate the impact of these reforms.
“In February, during our State of the Nation Address, NYCN leaders called upon President Tinubu, the 36 State Governors, and other stakeholders to devise palliative measures, programs, and policies to mitigate the effects of the government’s reforms.
“Responding to this plea, President Tinubu swiftly launched the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), earlier approved by the administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Aimed at bolstering domestic skill retention, promoting technology localization, and ensuring equitable employment opportunities between Nigerians and expatriates.
“The EEL is a mandatory levy imposed on employers hiring expatriate staff in Nigeria. It serves as a financial tool aimed at addressing specific socio-economic factors within a nation.
“With the increasing influx of foreign labor within the country, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) recognized the necessity of introducing the EEL. This levy aims to harmonize economic expansion, social fairness, and workforce enhancement. Essentially, the EEL endeavors to strike a balance between the advantages of employing expatriates and safeguarding Nigeria’s indigenous labor markets and resources.
“While the EEL has garnered both praise and criticism, with many Nigerians welcoming its potential benefits while others expressing concerns about its impact on foreign investment, it remains a pivotal policy in fostering local talent and economic empowerment.
“The Expatriate Employment Levy 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. By imposing levies on companies that employ expatriates, the EEL seeks to incentivize the hiring and development of Nigerian workers, thereby reducing dependency on foreign labor and fostering indigenous capacity building specially for basic jobs for which no expatriates are involved.
“NYCN believes the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy will create more job opportunities for Nigerian youth by encouraging businesses to prioritize the recruitment and training of local talent. This will help address the high unemployment rate among young Nigerians and enhance their economic prospects.
“Also, by promoting the hiring and training of local workers, the EEL will contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in Nigeria. This will enable young Nigerians to acquire valuable skills and experience, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market and supporting long-term economic growth.
“NYCN declares support for EEL because it will reduced dependence on expatriates. The EEL aims to reduce the reliance on expatriate workers in Nigeria by imposing levies on companies that employ foreign nationals. This will incentivize businesses to invest in the training and development of Nigerian employees, leading to greater self-sufficiency and indigenous capacity building.
“We implore the Federal Government, relevant ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders to endorse this policy and strive for its successful implementation for the benefit of millions across our nation.
” While we advocate for the bold and cautious execution of the EEL to avoid deterring investors, we urge individuals and organizations opposed to it to reconsider their position. The EEL stands to greatly benefit millions of Nigerians, and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians must take precedence over all other interests.
“In order to ensure the effective implementation of the EEL, the NYCN recommends investing in capacity-building initiatives to equip relevant Ministries, government agencies, with the resources and expertise needed to enforce the policy effectively. This may include training programs for enforcement officers, as well as the development of digital platforms for levy collection and monitoring,” he said.
