On 27th January 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) Handbook, outlining mandatory contributions for employers of foreign workers in Nigeria. The EEL Handbook required employers of expatriates who reside in Nigeria for a period of at least 183 days in a year, to pay $15,000 for directors and $10,000 for other categories of expatriate employees, annually.
However, since its launch, the EEL has received mixed reactions from stakeholders regarding its cost, feasibility, and implementation amongst other concerns. In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Interior convened a meeting on Friday, 8th March 2024, led by the Honourable Minister of Interior with a delegation led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite to address concerns of stakeholders.
The meeting was reported to have provided an opportunity for constructive dialogue and exploration of avenues to enhance the welfare of Nigerians while promoting investment. It was however resolved at the meeting that it is imperative to suspend the EEL policy in order to allow further dialogue with stakeholders till a suitable consensus is reached.
We firmly believe that the decision to put the implementation of the EEL on hold, pending further dialogue among stakeholders, is a necessary step towards fostering inclusivity and collaboration in policymaking. The opinions of stakeholders play a crucial role in policy making and the implementation process. The objectives of the EEL must be implemented in a manner that does not create discrimination against foreigners, deter foreign investment, or hamper economic growth.
We will continue to monitor and provide updates on further developments regarding the EEL policy. A link to the news article on the suspension of the EEL released by the Ministry of Interior can be accessed here – Ministry of Interior