CPPE attributes expatriates operating in retail sector to regulatory weaknesses 

The Center for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has linked various instances of expatriates operating in the retail sector in Nigeria to regulatory weakness.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer (CPPE) stated this in a statement made available to Nairametrcs.

Yusuf noted that there are similar concerns expressed by indigenous retailers in the computer and electronics, textiles and fabrics, and fashion accessories where expatriates are competing with them at the retail end of the market.

These are some of the issues that need to be addressed by the immigration service and the Ministry of Interior. Competition with our struggling market women and men is an unfair competition.

Yusuf commended President Bola Tinubu, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Minister of Interior for suspending the implementation of the contentious Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL).

He noted that the gesture is a demonstration of the fact the Tinubu administration is responsive, democratic, and inclusive in its governance process.

Yusuf said that there are already extant laws and regulations within the framework of the Nigeria Immigration Act and the Expatriate Quota Handbook that squarely address the outcomes contemplated in the EEL.

Yusuf said the handbook is robust and comprehensive and covers the critical issues of technology transfer, localization of jobs, and restrictions of some categories of expatriates from entry into the country, based on current skill gaps.

He added that there is also the National Content Act and Presidential Executive Orders Three and Five which focus on localization of procurement and service opportunities.

Yusuf said what needs to be done differently is to strengthen the institutional and regulatory effectiveness of the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Service to ensure compliance and enforcement.