Nigeria’s Expatriate Employment Levy Temporarily Suspended by Interior Minister

After a successful Trade and Investment outreach led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Qatar, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has announced a temporary suspension of the recently implemented Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) by the Federal Ministry of Interior, as overseen by the Nigerian Immigration Service.

This decision follows a constructive meeting held today with the Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Honorable Minister of Interior. Attendees included Mr. Dele Oye, President of NACCIMA, along with the President of the Petroleum Technology Association, the President of the Special Economic Zones Association, the Director-General of The Nigerian Turkiye Business Council, the head of the European Union Trade delegation, the NACCIMA Chair of the Digital Trade Group, and representatives from the National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (NASME).

It was unanimously agreed that: 

A) The implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy will be paused, allowing for further consultations with NACCIMA and other vital stakeholders. 

B) A joint committee comprising members of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Ministry of Interior, NACCIMA, and other stakeholders will be formed to review the EEL policy. 

C) The rollout of the EEL, as initially proposed, will be deferred in accordance with the resolutions made. We extend our gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Ministry of Interior for their magnanimity, understanding and their willingness to engage in dialogue and consider the implications of the EEL on the business community. This is indicative of their commitment to creating an inviting atmosphere for both local and international investors.

NACCIMA and its partners remain dedicated to working hand in hand with the government to ensure that policies align with the nation’s economic objectives, aiming to position Nigeria as a prime destination for investments. We advise all investors, both current and prospective, to continue with their business activities and investment plans in Nigeria with confidence. 

The assurances provided by both ministers during the negotiations have reinforced the Federal Government of Nigeria’s intent to enhance the investment landscape and support economic growth.