- Seek stakeholders support for policy
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The Nigeria Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), comprising the Societal Safety Network and Civil Society Initiative for Accountability and Development, have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lift the temporary hold on the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), which aims to bolster domestic skill retention and equitable employment opportunities.
The CSOs, in endorsing the EEL, also called on relevant stakeholders to support its successful execution.
These were contained in a statement jointly issued and signed by Director Media of the Societal Safety Network (SSN), Comrade Olawale Adigun and Publicity Secretary of the Civil Society Initiative for Accountability and Development (CISIAD), Ibrahim Ahmed on Wednesday in Abuja.
The CSOs reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for Nigerian youths and promoting their empowerment and socio-economic development.
They pointed out that the implementation of policies such as the EEL is crucial in achieving this goal, as it facilitates the creation of employment opportunities and the development of a skilled workforce, ultimately leading to sustainable economic progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.
The CSOs, in their statement, said, “One such palliative measures introduced by President Tinubu is the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), which aims to bolster domestic skill retention and equitable employment opportunities.
“The EEL represents a proactive approach to addressing the influx of foreign labor into Nigeria and promoting the hiring and training of Nigerian workers.
“Despite different opinions within the civil society sector, the majority of CSOs support the EEL, viewing it as a pivotal tool in fostering local talent and economic empowerment.
“By incentivizing companies to prioritize the recruitment and training of Nigerian workers, the levy aims to reduce dependency on foreign labor and enhance job prospects for Nigerians.
“The implementation of the EEL is expected to create job opportunities and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce, thereby supporting long-term economic growth and prosperity.
“Additionally, it will promote inclusivity within workplaces, empowering young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national advancement and development.
“Endorsing the EEL, CSOs urge President Tinubu to lift the temporary hold on its implementation and call on relevant stakeholders to support its successful execution.
“To ensure effectiveness, capacity-building initiatives and collaboration between government agencies and private sector stakeholders are recommended.
“CSOs play a crucial role in monitoring governmental actions, providing feedback, and advocating for policies that promote social justice and economic prosperity for all citizens.
“By engaging with policymakers, raising awareness, and mobilizing communities, CSOs can help ensure that reforms are implemented in a manner that benefits the entire population, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society.
In conclusion, CSOs reaffirm their commitment to advocating for Nigerian youth and promoting their empowerment and socio-economic development.
The implementation of policies such as the EEL is crucial in achieving this goal, as it facilitates the creation of employment opportunities and the development of a skilled workforce, ultimately leading to sustainable economic progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.
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