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Beyond Legalism in Nigeria’s Expatriate Employment Levy Debate, By Johnson Momodu

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The article “A Legal Justification for the Suspension of the Expatriate Employment Levy” by Success Chimdimma Ebulue provides the legal considerations surrounding the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) introduced by the Federal Government of Nigeria. While the author articulates the potential constitutional challenges faced by the EEL, it does not examine the broader context and possible implications of diminishing the importance of such policy interventions.

Firstly, the article’s focus on the constitutionality of the EEL may overlook the broader socio-economic objectives that the policy aims to achieve. The levy was initially introduced to bridge the gap between expatriates and the Nigerian labour force and address certain socio-economic considerations. By focusing predominantly on the legal dimension, we risk sidelining the policy’s potential benefits in fostering a more inclusive and equitable employment landscape in Nigeria.

Secondly, while the legal framework of any policy is paramount, it is also essential to consider the flexibility and adaptability of legal systems to accommodate innovative policy measures. The EEL represents an attempt by the Nigerian government to navigate complex socio-economic challenges. Legal systems are not static but evolve to reflect societal changes and needs. Thus, critiquing the EEL solely on the grounds of its current constitutional alignment may disregard the potential for legal reforms that can legitimize and accommodate such policies.

Moreover, the criticism of the EEL for its potential impact on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) may not fully account for the multifaceted nature of attracting and sustaining FDI. While a conducive legal environment is crucial, investors also consider factors such as the quality of the labour force, local market dynamics, and socio-economic stability. Therefore, policies aimed at enhancing local employment and socio-economic equity, if well-implemented, could, in the long run, contribute positively to the investment climate.

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Furthermore, the article’s emphasis on the procedural aspects of enacting the EEL, such as the necessity for it to be passed by the National Assembly, may be valid, but it downplayed the worth of executive discretion and policymaking in responding to urgent socio-economic needs. The government’s decision to temporarily suspend the EEL in response to stakeholder feedback demonstrates a willingness to engage, consult, and refine policy measures, which is a positive aspect of democratic governance that should not be overlooked.

It is equally important to engage with the broader socio-economic context and the potential of legal systems to evolve in response to innovative policy measures. The discussion around the EEL and its implications should thus be balanced, taking into consideration both the legal challenges and the socio-economic objectives at the heart of the policy. We should appreciate the comprehensive strategy of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to foster a more inclusive and equitable labour market.

The government has a prerogative to implement policies that address specific national challenges. While the constitutionality of any policy is paramount, the EEL is not merely a fiscal tool but a strategic intervention aimed at encouraging the employment of local talent, thus fostering skill development and knowledge transfer within Nigeria.

The argument that the EEL might deter Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is not entirely tenable, because a nuanced approach to policy implementation can ensure that the levy does not become a hindrance to FDI. In many jurisdictions, similar policies have been successfully implemented without adversely affecting investment. The key lies in striking a balance between attracting FDI and ensuring that local labour markets benefit from foreign expertise and investment.

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By incentivizing the employment of Nigerian workers, the policy would lead to a significant upskilling of the local workforce, ultimately contributing to the country’s long-term economic growth and sustainability. It is, therefore, more constructive to view the EEL as a potentially positive force for Nigeria’s socio-economic development, rather than dismissing it outright on legal and economic grounds. While the legal framework and economic implications of such policies must always be carefully considered, it is equally important to engage in constructive dialogue and seek innovative solutions that align with Nigeria’s broader development goals.

●Momodu is a public affairs commentator.

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Step-By-Step Guide To Apply For 2026 FRSC Recruitment

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has opened its recruitment portal for the 2026 nationwide recruitment exercise, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for vacancies across its Officer, Marshal Inspectorate and Road Marshal Assistant cadres.

The application portal will remain open for four weeks, while the Corps has emphasised that the recruitment exercise is free of charge and warned applicants against paying anyone for employment.

Interested applicants are advised to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for their preferred cadre before beginning the registration process.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for FRSC recruitment.

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Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, medically, physically and psychologically fit, single, and of good character with no criminal record.

Male applicants must be at least 1.65 metres tall, while female applicants must have a minimum height of 1.58 metres.

Step 2: Choose your preferred cadre

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Applicants should select the cadre that matches their qualifications.

Officer Cadre: B.Sc., B.A., HND, MBBS, LLB, B.Pharm or B.Eng., with a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate. Age limit: 18 to 35 years.

Marshal Inspectorate Cadre: ND, NCE, Registered Nurse/Midwife (RN/RM) or CHEW qualification. Age limit: 18 to 30 years.
Road Marshal Assistant Cadre: Minimum of three to five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics. Age limit: 16 to 30 years.

Drivers and Riders: O’Level qualification, valid driver’s licence and relevant trade certificate where applicable. Heavy truck drivers must be between 26 and 40 years.

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Step 3: Get your documents ready

Before starting the application, applicants should have the following:

National Identification Number (NIN)
Primary and secondary school certificates
Tertiary institution certificates and transcripts (where applicable)

NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
Local Government Certificate of Origin
Birth certificate or age declaration
Recent passport photograph
Valid email address and phone number

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Step 4: Visit the recruitment portal
Go to the official FRSC recruitment portal at recruitment.frsc.gov.ng and create an applicant account using your email address, phone number and NIN. Applicants are advised to avoid unofficial websites.

Step 5: Verify your account

After registration, check your email for the activation link sent by the FRSC and verify your account before proceeding with the application.

Step 6: Complete the application form

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Log in to the portal, choose your preferred cadre and accurately fill in your personal information, educational qualifications, contact details, next-of-kin information and work experience where applicable.

Step 7: Upload your credentials

Upload scanned copies of the required documents and passport photograph, ensuring all files meet the specified requirements.

Step 8: Submit and print your acknowledgement slip

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Review your application carefully before clicking the submit button.

Applicants are advised to print the completed application form and acknowledgement slip immediately after submission, as both documents will be required during the screening and Computer-Based Test (CBT) for shortlisted candidates.

The FRSC reiterated that the recruitment exercise is free and urged applicants to report anyone demanding payment or promising employment in exchange for money.

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Ooni debunks report over conferment of chieftaincy title on Baba Ijesha

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The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has rubbished reports circulating on social media alleging that he conferred a chieftaincy title on popular Nollywood actor and comedian, James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.

In a statement on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said the Ooni clarified that although he warmly received the actor and his wife at the Ile Oodua Palace on Wednesday to celebrate the birth of his son and presented him with a brand-new car and cash gifts as a demonstration of his fatherly love and royal generosity, no chieftaincy title was conferred on him.

According to him, the expression “Awada Konge Oduwa,” which Baba Ijesha later described on his social media pages as a chieftaincy title, was merely a light-comedy remark made by the Ooni during a relaxed interaction in recognition of the actor’s outstanding career as a comedian.

The remark was never intended to constitute a formal installation or conferment of a traditional title.

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The Ooni noted that Baba Ijesha, as an indigene of Ile-Ife and a proud son of the source, is deserving of honour and could be considered for a chieftaincy title in the future.

However, no such title has been conferred on him.

“The conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife remains a sacred traditional process governed by established customs, consultations and traditional rites, which are publicly conducted in accordance with the age-long traditions of the source. None of these customary procedures took place during the actor’s visit to the Palace, “he said.

While appreciating Baba Ijesha for acknowledging the royal kindness extended to him and his family, the Ooni urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard reports claiming that the actor has been installed as the “Awada Konge Oduwa” or conferred with any chieftaincy title.

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The Ooni reaffirmed his commitment to celebrating and supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the Oodua race at large while preserving the sanctity, dignity and integrity of the revered traditional institution of chieftaincy.

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Presidency Orders DSS, EFCC To Probe Govt Officials Linked To PFIPC Scandal

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The Presidency has called on security and anti-graft agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute government officials who may have collaborated with Prince Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi in the alleged operation of two fictitious federal government agencies.

Adeyemi is accused of creating the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council using allegedly forged documents purportedly linked to the Presidency.

In a statement on his verified X handle, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said investigators must go beyond Adeyemi and expose the internal network that allegedly enabled him to operate for an extended period.

Ajayi urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate all officials within public institutions who may have aided the alleged scheme.

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According to Ajayi, much of the public debate has ignored the fact that government institutions detected the alleged fraud and acted on it.

He said officials of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, working with officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, first discovered inconsistencies in Adeyemi’s operations and reported the matter to the appropriate authorities.

“Contrary to the anything-goes narrative being promoted, it was the system itself that raised the red flag and dealt with it administratively,” Ajayi said.

He, however, acknowledged that the suspect could not have operated for long without help from insiders.

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“What is not in doubt is that internal collaborators enabled Adeyemi to get this far. That is precisely what investigators from the DSS, the Police and the EFCC must now unravel.

“The criminal network within the affected institutions must be dismantled and everyone found to have played a role should be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

The Presidency had earlier disowned the disowned the two organisations, insisting that they did not exist as government agencies.

It also maintained that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, neither authorised Adeyemi’s activities nor had any connection with them.

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“In Nigeria, the easiest and most believable allegation anyone can throw at a public officer is corruption.

“Once that accusation is thrown into the mix, the water is polluted, the lines are blurred and everyone is kept busy arguing over distractions rather than the real issues,” he wrote.

He described Adeyemi as “an irredeemable con artist” who was using allegations against the Chief of Staff as “his last straw” to avoid criminal liability.

The Presidency insisted that the case should not be framed as evidence of complicity at the highest levels of government, but as an alleged fraud uncovered by the system itself.

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