Forum of Chairmen Of the National Youth Council Of Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to lift the suspension on the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy, considering its potential to address employment opportunities.
Chairman of the forum, Mr AbdulQaudri Abdulsalam made the appeal while speaking with journalists in Ibadan.
Mr. Abdulsalam who implored the Federal Government, relevant ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders to endorse and diligently pursue the implementation of the policy, believed that the implementation of the policy will generate more job opportunities for Nigerian youth,
He said Nigerian youths 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.
He said, if implemented, the policy will catalyze the promotion of local talent, enabling young Nigerians to actively contribute their skills and expertise to the nation’s advancement across sectors.
“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.
“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.
Mr Abdulsalam said funds generated from the policy can be channeled into programs and initiatives dedicated to bolstering youth employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing skill development.
The Expatriate Employment Levy, introduced by former president Muhammadu Buhari aimed at regulating 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
