News
Expatriates Employment Levy will bolster national security, says CSO
National Convener of Labour & Civil Society Coalition (LASCO), Comrade Tony Erha, says the Expatriates Employment Levy [EEL] is a strategic move aimed at bolstering national security and protecting Nigeria’s pride and progress.
The 66-year-old activist and journalist stated in Abuja that the EEL, as conceived by the Federal Government with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS),l as the implementing agency, had positive implications for the nation’s security architecture.
He explained that the initiative was empowered to enhance data collection capabilities by effectively strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
According to Erha: “Keeping meticulous tabs on every expatriate entering the country, the government can swiftly identify and address illegal activities, as well as ensure the safety and prosperity of Nigeria and its citizens.”
He also noted that illegal miners, a persistent threat to Nigeria’s natural resources and security, are among the prime targets of this initiative, given their preponderance, for instance, in the Zamfara mining field, where illegal mining activities have wreaked havoc on local communities and the environment.
According to him: “The Expatriates Employment Levy serves as a crucial tool for identifying and apprehending those operating outside the law.”
He referenced Oyo State, where illegal gold mining operations have posed significant challenges, saying “the implementation of this levy enables authorities to track down and dismantle illicit operations, and safeguard the state’s resources and economic stability.”
Erha added that “the EEL plays a pivotal role in combating threats posed by foreign entities prospecting lithium in sensitive areas like the Sambisa Forest, because by closely monitoring expatriate activity, the government can swiftly detect and neutralize any attempts to exploit Nigeria’s resources for nefarious purposes.
“By prioritizing security through the Expatriates Employment Levy, the Federal Government demonstrates its unwavering commitment to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and promote sustainable development.
“This proactive approach not only safeguards the nation’s resources but also ensures a safer, more prosperous future for all Nigerians.”
Erha said that while the monetary benefits of the Expatriates Employment Levy were undeniable, “its true value lies in its ability to fortify Nigeria’s security infrastructure and preserve the nation’s pride and progress.
“Through enhanced data collection and rigorous enforcement, the government can effectively root out stop the influx or infiltration of illegal immigrants, check the likely attendant illegal activities, emplace a social audit system that captures the identities of immigrants into the country [which the EEL seeks to do through data collection] and thereby safeguard Nigeria’s future for this generation and future generations.”
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
Anambra Police arrest native doctor, one other for armed robbery, kidnapping
Police Officer interdicted for slapping handcuffed civilian several times
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro9 hours agoBusinessDay Journalist Finally Regains Freedom From ‘One-Chance’ Kidnappers In Abuja
-
Metro14 hours agoCourt remands 113 foreigners over alleged cybercrime
-
Metro9 hours agoPolice recover stolen SUV after gun duel with robbers in Abuja
-
Metro14 hours agoGunmen kidnap journalist’s relatives, demand N50m ransom
-
News15 hours agoJapa: We’ve discovered over 10,000 fraudulent foreign student acceptance letters – Canadian Authorities
-
News14 hours agoFull List: Innoson, Mitsubishi, Dantama , Others – CAC Delists 80,000 Companies
-
News14 hours agoFG reinstates Ikechebelu and Modebelu as UNIZIK Acting VC and Registrar
-
News9 hours agoFG insists Rivers State funds is intact was never stopped