By Melvin Onwubuke
The Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise, has announced that the new Expatriate Employment Levy from the federal government may set off reciprocal actions against Nigerian and negatively impact regional integration of ECOWAS and across Africa, according to nairametrics.
This was disclosed by the chairman, Dr. Muda Yusuf in a statement, while reacting to the new policy initiative, by the President Tinubu administration.
In the statement, he said that the new policy will prevent investment in the real sectors of the economy.
He opined that, the policy, does not place a limitations on workers from other African countries despite Nigeria’s leadership role in the continent.
Yusuf said “Nigeria occupies a leadership position in Africa and very well respected. Our president is the current chairman of ECOWAS. This policy does not make an exception for our African brothers and neighbours.
“There are serious implications for diaspora Nigerians. The policy may trigger reciprocal actions from other countries, and this may affect Nigerians in diaspora. There are currently over 17 million Nigerians in various countries around the world doing extremely well.”
He added “We have the largest diaspora population in Africa. We also have the highest diaspora remittances on the continent, generally in excess of $20 billion. All of these could be at risk as a result of this policy.
“If the reciprocity policy is activated in any of their host countries, the effect on our diaspora citizens will be very devastating.”
Meanwhile, CPPE highlights that the four weeks compliance time is too short and suggested a six-month period.
Recall, the federal government has recently introduced the Expatriate Employment Levy, which intends to impose a levy on companies that employ foreign workers in the country.
The Federal Government initiative, is expected to increase revenue collection, stimulate job creation for Nigerians in foreign owned companies operating in Nigeria, reduce the salary gap of overseas workers and many other advantages.
