The Senate through its committee on Local Content has intensified its clampdown on the abuse of expatriate quotas and the flagrant violation of Nigeria’s Local Content Act, in a renewed move to reclaim employment opportunities for citizens.
The Committee chaired by senator Joel Thomas has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at ensuring strict enforcement of relevant laws, and is partnering with key stakeholders including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to drive compliance.
During a meeting with the NLC leadership in Abuja, the Senate Committee expressed concerns over the increasing presence of foreign nationals occupying jobs Nigerians are well-qualified to handle.
The Committee noted that some companies, particularly in the oil and gas sector, have continued to sideline local talent under the guise of expatriate employment, often flouting legal provisions including Executive Order 5 and the Nigeria First policy.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, decried the extent of abuse, revealing that expatriates are now being imported into the country to perform menial tasks such as janitorial and toilet cleaning services.
He accused powerful individuals and organizations of undermining local content laws with impunity, calling for immediate intervention to prevent further marginalization of Nigerian workers.
Ajaero also raised alarm over wage disparity in the workplace, noting that expatriates on the same job grade as Nigerians often earn twice as much.
He said some companies deliberately manipulate immigration and trade documents to hide the true nature of their workforce and avoid regulatory scrutiny.
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He called for the establishment of a centralized data bank to track violations, convictions, and compliance levels among companies operating within Nigeria.
The Senate Committee, led by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, assured that it is now more determined than ever to hold violators accountable.
He emphasized that rising unemployment cannot be addressed unless the laws meant to protect Nigerian jobs are enforced and respected.
He revealed that the Committee is currently reviewing complaints submitted by local operators in both the oil and gas and non-oil sectors concerning poor compliance with local content requirements.
Issues under review include the award and execution of contracts, implementation of local workforce development plans, project delivery, and failure to meet technology transfer obligations.
The committee is also scrutinizing Nigerian Content Plans submitted by companies and government agencies to ensure they align with national employment and economic goals.
Earlier, Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed dismay over a trend spanning more than four decades, where jobs meant for Nigerians have been dominated by foreigners.
Oshomole says this longstanding neglect has forced many qualified Nigerians to seek low-level jobs abroad despite the availability of opportunities at home.
The committee has invited the general public, local contractors, and other stakeholders to submit reports and complaints on local content violations through dedicated channels.
The Committee pledged to investigate all submissions thoroughly and take necessary action, including imposing sanctions and exposing any government officials found to be complicit.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
