The Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) handbook, recently launched by the federal government, aims at enhancing revenue generation, promoting naturalization and indigenization, and increasing the employment of Nigerians by foreign companies operating within the country. It seeks to address the imbalance in employment opportunities between Nigerians and expatriates by narrowing the wage gap between the two groups.
President Tinubu commended the Minister of Interior for his efforts in improving the passport issuance process, thereby reducing frustrations for Nigerians both at home and abroad. He expressed optimism that the introduction of the EEL handbook will be a significant step forward in achieving these goals.
Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo, highlighted that the handbook is a recent government initiative designed to establish effective timelines for expatriates working in Nigeria to train and develop Nigerian nationals. This move reflects the government’s commitment to empowering its citizens and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, emphasized the shared responsibility of the legislative and executive branches in implementing policies that facilitate the engagement of Nigerians in well-paying jobs. He underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for local talent to thrive.
The successful implementation of the EEL handbook has the potential to diminish the reliance on foreign personnel for skilled positions and decrease the frequency of companies seeking renewal for their expatriate quotas. It represents a significant stride towards fostering economic growth and empowering the Nigerian workforce.