The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) announced that the Federal Government has agreed to suspend the enforcement of the recently introduced Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL).
The decision comes after a meeting between NACCIMA and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Minister of Interior, according to a statement signed by NACCIMA’s National President, Dele Oye.
The parties “unanimously agreed” to pause the implementation of the levy “to allow for further consultations” with NACCIMA and other vital stakeholders, Oye noted.
Oye also disclosed that a joint committee will be formed to review the EEL policy, the rollout of the EEL, as initially proposed, will be deferred by the resolutions made.
“We extend our gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Ministry of Interior for their magnanimity, understanding, and willingness to engage in dialogue and consider the implications of the EEL on the business community. This is indicative of their commitment to creating an inviting atmosphere for both local and international investors.”
President Bola Tinubu launched the EEL last month. The levy is a government-mandated contribution imposed on employers who hire expatriate workers in Nigeria.
As outlined in the newly launched EEL handbook, the initiative seeks to balance the benefits of expatriate employment with the protection of Nigeria’s local labour markets and resources.
“As imported workforce continues to grow internally, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) deemed it important to implement the EEL that seeks to balance economic growth, social equity, and workforce development,” it said.
The EEL mandated employers to pay $15,000 annually for expatriate directors and $10,000 for other categories.
The handbook states that “expatriate workers employed for a duration not less than 183 days within a year, shall be liable to pay the EEL on an annual basis.”
The document explained that the duration would be calculated in aggregate, not spread over a fiscal year. Failure to comply, including inaccurate reporting, could result in penalties.
The handbook referenced Section 56(5) of the Immigration Act, 2015, which outlines potential imprisonment for five years or a fine of N1,000,000, or both, for providing false information to immigration officials.
