The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his recent approval to “institutionalize a 30% representation of young people in government appointments as well as the approval to restructure and institutionalize the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, a fund initially established in 2020 to youth-led and youth-owned enterprises in priority sectors”.
NYCN equally urged the Federal Government to implement the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL). EEL is a legislative measure aimed at regulating the employment of expatriates in Nigeria while simultaneously promoting the recruitment and training of local talent, including young Nigerians.
Briefing journalists Tuesday in Abuja, NYCN President, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, said its implementation will create more job opportunities for Nigerian youth.
He therefore called on President Bola Tinubu to lift the temporary hold on implementing the EEL.
Sukubo said: “NYCN wishes to appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his recent approval to institutionalize a 30% representation of young people in government appointments as well as the approval to restructure and institutionalize the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, a fund initially established in 2020 to youth-led and youth-owned enterprises in priority sectors. We are highly grateful.
“NYCN is pleased to announce its unwavering support for the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy in Nigeria. Understanding the importance of prioritizing employment and advancement opportunities for Nigerian youth, the council views the EEL as a significant measure towards ensuring equitable access to jobs across the nation.
“EEL implementation will create more job opportunities for Nigerian youth by encouraging businesses to prioritize the recruitment and training of local talent. This will help address the high unemployment rate among young Nigerians and enhance their economic prospects.
“Also, by promoting the hiring and training of local workers, the EEL will contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in Nigeria. This will enable young Nigerians to acquire valuable skills and experience, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market and supporting long-term economic growth.
“NYCN declares support for EEL because it will reduce dependence on expatriates. The EEL aims to reduce the reliance on expatriate workers in Nigeria by imposing levies on companies that employ foreign nationals. This will incentivize businesses to invest in the training and development of Nigerian employees, leading to greater self-sufficiency and indigenous capacity building.
“Furthermore, the implementation of the EEL will serve as a catalyst for the promotion of local talent. By enacting the EEL, employers will be incentivized to acknowledge and utilize the capabilities of Nigerian youth, fostering an environment of inclusivity and diversity within workplaces. This empowerment will enable young Nigerians to actively contribute their skills and expertise to the nation’s advancement across diverse sectors.
“We endorse this policy because funds generated from the Expatriate Employment Levy can be redirected into programs and initiatives dedicated to bolstering youth employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing skill development. This approach guarantees that the levy’s advantages are reinvested back into the Nigerian youth demographic, fostering a constructive loop of empowerment and progress.
“Recognizing the numerous benefits to Nigerians, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to decisively lift the temporary hold on implementation on the Expatriate Employment Levy. This policy holds the potential to promptly tackle both economic and security issues confronting the nation.
“We implore the Federal Government, relevant ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders to endorse this policy and strive for its successful implementation for the benefit of millions across our nation. While we advocate for the bold and cautious execution of the EEL to avoid deterring investors, we urge individuals and organizations opposed to it to reconsider their position.”
