News
Why some vested interests are opposing implemetation of Expatriate Employment Levy
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
Ecoparl: Speaker Ibrahima Reaffirms Parliament’s Dedication to Regional Unity
News
Air Force Begins Moving Electoral Materials For Edo Guber Election
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has began airlifting the sensitive election materials for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Benin, Edo State, ahead of the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali.
The operation is part of the NAF’s efforts to ensure the timely and secure delivery of materials necessary for a smooth electoral process.
This development reinforces the collaboration between NAF and INEC to facilitate logistics and ensure a peaceful election in Edo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, had previously reiterated NAF’s commitment to providing airlift support for the swift movement of electoral materials during a meeting with INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
This airlift operation is a crucial aspect of NAF’s constitutional responsibility to provide Military Aid to Civil Authority, underscoring the force’s dedication to supporting democratic processes in Nigeria. With the election just days away, the NAF’s timely intervention will help ensure the successful conduct of the governorship elections in Edo State.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State had earlier accused the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of working with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to hunt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and supporters in the state and force them into hiding ahead of September 21 governorship election.
Obaseki, who made the allegation when a delegation led by the former Head of State, Abdusalam Abubakar, met with him to get the governor and his party to sign peace accord, said that the IGP had made nonsense of his (Obaseki’s) role as the chief security officer of the state.
The governor had said that the police chief obtained a warrant to arrest 60 members and supporters of PDP in Edo and that the IGP sent an armed “gang” of policemen who invaded the state, attacked PDP members, shot at a local government chairman and arrested 10 persons who are currently being detained in Abuja without charges.
Asked by the former head of state if his party would sign the peace accord, Obaseki said, “The person who is supposed to enforce the peace accord is now an active participant in creating a destructive environment.
“We are now in a situation where from the Inspector General’s office, there are armed gang policemen who came into Edo State, invaded, arrested and took away PDP members.
News
“Dancing gives me abundant joy and peace of mind”-Gov Adeleke
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has given reasons why he loves dancing.
The ‘Dancing Governor’, as he is fondly called, revealed this on Wednesday while responding to a tweet on X.
An X user, @Iwogoke, while praising the governor, stated that Adeleke has been busy fulfilling his electoral promises to the people of Osun State, while his political opponents believe he is only good at dancing.
Iwogoke tweeted, “I’m not flattering you, Your Excellency, your opponents think you can only dance but while they are busy shouting and calling you ‘Dancing Governor’, you are busy fulfilling your electoral promises to the people.”
Responding to the tweet via his verified X account, Adeleke explained that he loves dancing because it brings him joy.
Speaking further on his love for dancing, Adeleke highlighted that while dancing brings him immense happiness, his greater fulfilment comes from delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Osun.
Outlining his administration’s efforts to enhance the state’s infrastructure, he noted that primary health centre rehabilitation is underway in at least 200 out of the 332 wards across Osun State, adding that road construction projects are also progressing in every local government area.
He wrote, “Dancing gives me joy, but delivering on my electoral promises and providing the dividends of democracy to the good people of Osun gives me even greater joy. Rehabilitation of primary health centers is ongoing in at least 200 out of 332 wards, and road construction is progressing in every Local Government!”
-
News21 hours ago
PHOTOS: Finally, FCT Minister, Wike settles with the Duke, Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of Thisday, Arise Tv
-
News20 hours ago
Over 3000 Lagos Residents Rendered Homeless As Govt Officials, Policemen Demolish, Set Buildings On Fire
-
News17 hours ago
Popular Ekiti Born Philanthropist, Funso Ayeni Bags PhD in US Varsity
-
Politics20 hours ago
Rivers PDP elders tackle Ada George over attack on Wike
-
Economy17 hours ago
SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today
-
News20 hours ago
FG Issues Flood Alert As Cameroon Releases Water From Lagdo Dam
-
News15 hours ago
Just in: Wanted ex-Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello honours EFCC invitation
-
News21 hours ago
Hire and fire Gov Fubara fires LG chairman, appoints caretaker immediately