The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) is set to establish a credible national platform on which to establish the nexus between a healthy private sector and sustained national inclusive growth, anchored on industrial harmony, decent jobs, and national socio-economic renaissance.
The two-day summit holds at the Transcorp Hotels, Abuja with President Muhammadu Buhari as a guest of honour.
Also expected in attendance are all stakeholders both in the private and public sectors.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Director, Learning & Development/Projects of NECA Mrs. Celine Oni, said the level of development and prosperity of any economy can be easily linked to the health of its private sector.
“Globally, the private sector remains a critical stakeholder and partner in any Nation’s economic development. It is a major contributor to the National Income, a principal job creator, and arguably the largest employer of labour in both the formal and informal sectors in developed and emerging economies.
“It delivers critical goods and services, contributes to tax revenues, and plays a critical role in the efficient flow of capital. A significant portion of Nigeria’s future development rests on the shoulders of the private sector,” she said.
According to Oni, the summit will provide the Private Sector and other Stakeholders the privilege to identify and explore the nexus between a thriving Private Sector and National development.
She said: “The platform will identify impediments to enterprise competitiveness and employment creation as well as proffer solutions to these impediments. Workable action points and follow-up mechanisms would also be set.
“Outcomes, recommendations, and communiqué arising from the annual Summit would serve as a strategic Advocacy roadmap and Employer’s input into National Budgets, National Development Plans and other Economic Plans of Government.
“The necessity of the Summit is such that NECA and its member companies cannot miss the opportunity of reinforcing and re-affirming NECA’s position as the most credible, non-political, and issues-focused voice of business, advocating for sustainability and competitiveness of the private sector.
“It is such a timely event as the nation gears up for the huge market of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement and the achievement of the National Development Plan 2021-2025.
“The Theme of the summit is “The Private Sector – An Engine of National Development.”