News

Youth Group rubbishes NECA’s criticisms of Expatriate Employment Levy

Published

9 months ago

March 5, 2024

A youth group, Consolidated Youth Assembly (CYA) has dismissed the recent criticisms by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) regarding the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), stating that it is essential for enhancing skills transfer and generating revenue.

Group leader, Mallam Hamza Abdullahi, said in Abuja, that EEL has benefits for the Nigerian economy. “The EEL is a crucial step towards promoting local workforce development and reducing dependency on foreign expertise,” Abdulahi remarked in a statement.

Contrary to NECA’s concerns about discouraging foreign investment, Abdulahi argued that the levy demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to fostering self-reliance and creating a conducive business environment. “By encouraging companies to invest in local talent and skills development, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” he stated.

Abdullahi also addressed NECA’s assertion that the EEL would hinder the government’s fiscal and monetary reforms, stating that the levy aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the Nigerian economy. “The EEL complements existing legislation aimed at promoting local content and immigration regulations”

Regarding NECA’s legal objections to the levy, the youth leader highlighted the government’s authority to implement such measures in pursuit of national development goals. “While we respect NECA’s concerns, it’s important to recognise that the government has the constitutional mandate to enact policies that advance the public interest”

Furthermore, Abdulahi dismissed NECA’s predictions of negative socio-economic consequences, asserting that the EEL would ultimately benefit Nigerian workers and businesses. “By investing in local talent and reducing reliance on expatriate labour, we are creating more opportunities for Nigerian professionals to excel in their careers”.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting economic growth and job creation through initiatives like the Expatriate Employment Levy, adding “We urge stakeholders to support these efforts and work together towards building a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria”.

News

Reps finally nail CCT Chairman, Umar Danladi, ratify his removal

Published

10 minutes ago

November 27, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The House of Representatives has passed a motion to dump the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Umar Danladi.

This was sequel to a motion promoted by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), who cited Section 17(3) of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

Constitutional requirement stipulates that Danladi could only be removed by a two-thirds majority of the 360 members of the House.

TNG recalls that the Senate last week also recommended Danladi’s removal, following a motion moved by Opeyemi Bamidele, the majority leader.

News

Reps Urge FG To Make Available Reliable Data On Housing Deficit

Published

9 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide scientific, verifiable data on the housing deficit and improve access to affordable housing in the Nigeria.

This resolution was sequel to the adopting of a motion by Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, on the “Provision of affordable housing in Nigeria,” Tuesday at plenary.

Rep. Ukpong-Udo who noted that data is considered an important factor in the planning and execution of projects across all tiers of government, said the housing sector in Nigeria, with a huge deficit, lacks veritable data for planning and execution of housing policies and strategies.

He stated: “The House is aware that according to the world population review, over 24 million people in Nigeria are homeless, with no appropriate access to proper dwelling with some basic social amenities.

“The House is worried that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with homeless populations, leading with 24 million, followed by Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, and Congo.”

The House also expressed displeasure that the country relies on the World Bank report for housing data, and that for a nation to grow and enjoy stability, there is the need to have its housing data as well as a market that works efficiently and provides decent shelter for its citizens.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to address the lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data on the state of housing in the country and ensure access to decent and affordable housing.

News

Provide Adequate Security For Transmission Towers Across Nigeria – Reps Tell FG

Published

9 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has charge the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, to urgently provide adequate security for Transmission Towers across the country to avoid future occurrences of vandalism.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep Oboku Oforji, lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokoma-Opokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State on Tuesday at plenary.

In his lead debate, Rep. Oforji noted that on July 29, 2024, residents of Yenagoa and Bayelsa State in general woke up to a total blackout occasioned by the collapse of a Transmission Station between Emezhi and Mbaima in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State and three others between Igbogene and Nedugo Agbia in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to him, the Bayelsa State Government in collaboration with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, swiftly swung into action to address the challenges that has culminated in dwindling of socio-economic activities in the state.

He further noted that saddened that on the 19th of November, 2024, just as the work was nearing completion, at Ula-Akpata, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, some hoodlums went and vandalised a section of the lines.

The motion reads in part: “By this development, the woes of the residents of Bayelsa State still subsist for one or two days, because as we speak the people of the State are in total blackout, this has been the situation for over 4 months.

“The efforts of the Bayelsa State Government in mobilizing financial and material resources to support the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is highly commended. However, proactive measures must be taken to forestall future occurrences of vandalism of these Transmission Towers.

“As a representative of my people this brings to mind the provisions of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) which talks about our economic and social rights as citizens, which I believe should not be taken for granted by the government”.

The House adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Interior and Power to ensure compliance.