News

Why some vested interests are opposing implemetation of Expatriate Employment Levy

Published

8 months ago

March 18, 2024

Vested interests allegedly involved in economic sabotage have been fingered among those mainly opposing the Expatriates Employment Levy (EEL).

The [EEL] was launched on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.

There are strong and credible feelers that some members of the associations that are opposed to the implementation of the EEL have, over the years, been manipulating the expatriate quota system for selfish, unpatriotic reasons that undermine the nation’s economy.

According to findings, some members of these associations have been falsifying expatriate quotas on a massive scale to exploit the system for substantial foreign exchange gains.

By inflating the number of expatriates purportedly employed, they seek to evade paying the mandated levies while profiting from the forex allocations provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“It is deeply concerning to discover such egregious manipulation of regulations designed to regulate expatriate employment and safeguard our national interests,” remarked a source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The strategy employed by some members of these associations involves applying for inflated quotas of expatriate workers, ostensibly for offshore remuneration purposes.

However, investigations showed that these quotas were grossly exaggerated, with many of the reported expatriates either non-existent or engaged in minimal roles within the organizations.

“The exploitation of the system not only deprives the government of vital revenue through unpaid levies but also contributes to the strain on our already limited foreign exchange reserves,” the source said.

It is alleged that upon receiving the CBN allocations intended for legitimate expatriate employment expenses, some members of the associations exploited the opportunity to sell foreign currency in the black market for significant profits, thereby exacerbating the scarcity of foreign exchange in the country’s banking system.

A government official who neither comfirmed nor denied the practice said the opposition to the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy by these associations could be suggestive of possible pecuniary benefits beyond the hue and cry over the EEL that the consider to be exorbitant.

Expatriates at the level of directors are to pay $15,000 as EEL while othee categories of expat workers are to pay $10,000.

The opposition to EEL, according to the official largely appeared to be driven by self-serving motives aimed at perpetuating their exploitative practices rather than genuine concerns for the welfare of Nigerian workers or the nation’s economic stability.

“It is a matter of great concern that certain entities within our society are actively working against measures aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and economic development,” another source close to the Government said .

The situation has raised the alarms among regulatory bodies, prompting calls for stringent enforcement measures and closer scrutiny of expatriate employment practices within the country.

“While many nations worldwide have embraced similar policies to regulate expatriate employment and protect their economies, it is regrettable that some individuals within Nigeria are colluding to subvert the system for their gain,” said rhe source.

As investigation into the development is activated, appropriate authorities have taken steps to bring to book those found complicit in the exploitation of the system.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

22 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

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.

News

HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

Published

30 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

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.

News

Police rescue abducted Emirates Airlines Airport Services Manager

Published

35 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Ghana Police Service has announced that Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, who was kidnapped has been rescued.

The Police said the victim is currently reunited with her family.

“The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate, Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.” The Police said in a statement.

According to the Police, a team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family to ensure that everything is in a perfect condition and assured the family and the general public that the suspect will be arrested and face the law

“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.” Part of the statement read.

Transparent, Rewarding!
The victim was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown men on Thursday ,November 21, 2024 night.

Below is the full statement:

KIDNAPPED VICTIM, SYLVIA PATIENCE BAAH RESCUED

The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.

The Police are currently continuing the search for the suspects behind this incident and we want to assure the public that we will surely bring them to face justice.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who gave us pieces of information in the course of our rescue operations in particular and the public in general for their support and cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.