…What needs to be done differently is to strengthen the institutional and regulatory effectiveness in the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Service to ensure compliance and enforcement,” the CPPE said
SUN, MAR 10 2024-theGBJournal|The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise on Sunday outlined some of the issues that need to be addressed by the immigration service and the ministry of interior following the suspension of implementation of the expatriate employment levy (EEL) by the Federal Government.
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The Federal Government announced the suspension of the policy on Friday opting for a review after concerns were raised on its possible negative impact.
”What needs to be done differently is to strengthen the institutional and regulatory effectiveness in the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Service to ensure compliance and enforcement,” the CPPE said in a statement released by its CEO, Dr. Muda Yusuf.
The CPPE argued that relevant institutions have over the years been considerably compromised.
”These are the gaps that needs to be addressed. We really do not need a new policy, regulation or handbook on the employment of expatriates. A new regulation or
policy will be superfluous. The current regulations or handbook could be tweaked, if necessary.”
It said evidence of regulatory weaknesses are the numerous instances of expatriates operating in the retail sector in the open markets, competing with market women and men.
”We surely do not lack expertise in retail trading. But we have seen cases of som expatriates taking up shops in our traditional markets.”
According to the CPPE, many of our indigenous traders in the markets have been displaced by these expatriates because they cannot compete with them.
”There are similar concerns expressed by our indigenous retailers in the computer and electronics, textiles and fabrics, and fashion accessories where expatriates are competing with them at the retail end of the market. Some of these companies dominate the entire value chain – they are the manufacturers, distributors and retailers,” it added.
The think-tank stressed that there are already extant laws and regulations within the
framework of the Nigeria Immigration Act and the Expatriate Quota Handbook that squarely addresses the outcomes contemplated in the EEL.
It says the handbook is robust and comprehensive and covers the critical issues of technology transfer, localization of jobs, and restrictions of some categories
of expatriates from entry into the country, based on current skill gaps.
Meanwhile, the Centre commended President Bola Tinubu, the Coordinating Minister for
the Economy, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Minister of Interior for suspending the implementation of the EEL policy.
”This gesture is a demonstration of the fact the Tinubu administration is responsive, democratic and inclusive in its governance process. It shows that the administration is a listening government. Responsiveness to the concerns of stakeholders is a critical attribute of true democracy,” the CPPE said.
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