LCCI raises concern over likely perception of FG as hostile to expatriates

Following the additional levies of $10,000 and $15,000 on expatriate staff and directors, respectively, by the Federal Government, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concern about the likely perception by foreign investors that the Nigerian government is not accommodative of foreign workers. LCCI warned that such a perception would harm the country’s drive for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and said there was a need for a balanced approach to expatriate employment. Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, made the assertions yesterday in a public statement, titled, “LCCI Perspective on Nigeria’s Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL).” Almona said while the chamber was “fully in support of government policies that enhance the profile of the business environment, generate more revenue for the government, and create more opportunities for local employment, we are concerned about the likely perception by foreign investors that the Nigerian government is not accommodative to foreign workers. This perception is harmful to our drive for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) inflows.”