The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has raised concerns over the Ministry of Interior’s proposed expatriate employment levy, warning that it could hinder investment in the country and disrupt ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms.
In a statement released, NECA criticized the introduction of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) outlined in the Expatriate Employment Handbook, an initiative by the Federal Ministry of Interior aimed at enhancing skills transfer in Nigeria.
According to NECA, the levy, ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 imposed on employers hiring expatriates, is viewed as exploitative, extortionist, and potentially damaging to the investment climate.
Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the Director-General of NECA, expressed concerns over the implications of the levy, stating that it could deter Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and lead to unintended socio-economic consequences.
Oyerinde emphasized that while NECA supports efforts to develop the local workforce and promote skills transfer, the implementation of the EEL could exacerbate economic challenges, particularly at a time when businesses are facing closures and losses.
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