The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its decision to suspend the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) to give room for further engagement with stakeholders.

In a statement made available to Vanguard, yesterday, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director General of MAN said: “MAN had earlier made a representation to the President and copied the Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Industry, Trade and Investment; and Interior, to discontinue the enforcement of the levy and followed up with the aforementioned Ministers.

Ajayi-Kadir also expressed the deep appreciation of MAN for the swift intervention of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

His words: “We acknowledge the important role of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. We equally recognize the support of the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform.

“Quite importantly, we commend the Minister of Interior for doing the needful in the interest of domestic and foreign private sector investors in Nigeria. “There is no doubt that the anxiety that enveloped the business community following the introduction of the levy has abated.

“Also, the international business community, particularly those with whom we have signed trade agreements, would also be reassured of our commitment to the creation of a congenial business environment.”