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CSO raps EU, says union’s concerns over Nigeria’s Expatriate Employment Levy are ill-advised

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National Convener of Labour and Civil Society Coalition, Comrade Tony Erha, has taken on the European Union (EU) on its concerns about the launch of Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) announced by President Bola Tinubu on February 27, 2024.

Erha said that the recent expression of concerns by the EU was ill-advised.

He noted that though the concerns stemmed from how the new levy was introduced by the Nigerian government, including alleged potential negative impacts on investor confidence, the EU, however, overlooked the necessity and rationale behind the introduction of the EEL in Nigeria.

Erha stated that the Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria, Massimo De Luca,
who voiced the concerns during the fourth session of the steering committee of the support programme for Fiscal Transition in West Africa (PATF) held in Abuja, failed to realise that the levy was a strategic measure aimed at promoting local employment opportunities and addressing challenges related to expatriate employment.

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According to him: “The disparity in wages between expatriates and local workers is ridiculous, whereas immigrant workers, particularly in some European countries, often earn significantly lower wages, even when qualified, compared to other cadres of employees.”

He noted that “in Nigeria, however, many expatriates rather contribute to economic disparities and hinder the development of indigenous talent, while the minimum wage, which immigrants predominantly earn in European countries, is notably low, raising concerns about the fairness and equity of the employment landscape.

“We need a context-specific policy tailored to address the unique socio-economic dynamics of the country. Unlike European countries, Nigeria faces peculiar challenges in its labour market, including high levels of unemployment and underemployment.

“As such, measures such as the EEL are essential steps towards promoting inclusivity and creating opportunities for Nigerian citizens.”

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He stated further that the inconsistency in the EU’s stance, particularly regarding immigration laws was clear.

He said: “European countries are known for frequently reviewing and adapting their immigration policies to address evolving challenges and priorities.

“Given this context, it is preposterous to imagine why similar scrutiny and adaptation are not extended to Nigeria’s immigration laws.

“It is important to always consider the imperative of the broader socio-economic context and the need for tailored solutions to address Nigeria’s unique challenges in the labour market.”

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Army Nabs Wanted Soldier Accused Of Supplying Uniforms To Terrorists While Escaping to Cameroon

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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have nabbed a soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military wares to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group led by the Acting Commander.

Preliminary investigations revealed that before he was declared wanted by the Army, the soldier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, where he allegedly went into hiding.

Investigators further established that he was allegedly sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by 25NA/89/12687 Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.

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Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed the suspect under 24-hour surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.

The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.Government

Military sources described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplice.

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AEDC Promotes 547 Employees, Raises Pay For 579 Others

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Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has promoted 547 employees and approved salary step increments for 579 others as part of a broad workforce development programme designed to reward outstanding performance, strengthen staff motivation and drive organisational excellence.

The exercise, which benefitted 1,126 employees, followed the successful completion of the company’s 2025 Performance Appraisal Exercise and underscores AEDC’s commitment to building a high-performing, customer-focused workforce.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, said the initiative reflects the company’s resolve to place employees at the heart of its transformation agenda, stressing that investment in human capital remains critical to achieving sustainable growth.

He described the promotions and salary adjustments as a recognition of diligence, professionalism and commitment, noting that the company would continue to reward excellence while creating opportunities for career advancement.

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According to him, AEDC is intentionally fostering a work environment where merit, innovation, continuous learning and teamwork determine career progression, adding that employee welfare remains a key pillar of the company’s long-term strategy.

“Our people remain our greatest asset and the foundation upon which AEDC’s future will be built. This is more than a reward for performance; it is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence should always be recognised, talent should be nurtured and hard work should create opportunities for growth,” Okwuokenye said.

He explained that the organisation is committed to providing employees with fulfilling career opportunities that enable them to maximise their potential while contributing to AEDC’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading electricity distribution companies.

The AEDC chief also urged employees who were not promoted in the current appraisal cycle to remain committed, assuring them that the company’s performance management system is structured to support continuous improvement, skills development and future career progression.

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AEDC said the promotion and salary increment exercise forms part of its broader strategy to cultivate a performance-driven culture, encourage professionalism and recognise employees who contribute significantly to the company’s growth.

The company added that as it continues to modernise operations, improve electricity service delivery and enhance customer experience, it will sustain investments in staff development to strengthen productivity and reinforce its position as one of Nigeria’s preferred employers in the power sector.

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Suspected Hoodlums Cart Away PVCs At Distribution Centre In Osun

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Some hoodlums suspected to be political thugs on Sunday stormed a permanent voter’s card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, the headquarters of the Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state, and carted away two packs of PVCs.

The INEC officials were busy distributing the cards at the Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, when the thugs suddenly arrived and started shooting sporadically into the air, scaring residents and officials, and took two packs of cards and left the venue before police could arrive at the scene.

The spokesperson of the Osun State Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said that about ten armed hoodlums invaded the centre, fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of PVCs before fleeing the scene.

Ojelabi disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has condemned the attack and directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

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Reacting to the development, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, condemned the attack. She said she was to get the detailed report on the attack, adding that she is yet to know the exact number of PVCs carted away by the hoodlums.

The REC, however, assured the people of the state that the governorship election would be free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent.

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