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  • NECA hails Imo, Ebonyi govts over minimum wage review

    NECA hails Imo, Ebonyi govts over minimum wage review

    Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, has commended some state governors for increasing the minimum wage for their workers.

    Oyerinde made this disclosure while featuring on a popular morning programme on a national television.

    The commendation came on the heels of recent announcement of minimum wage increase by the governments of Imo State and Ebonyi State.

    Imo State recently approved a new minimum wage of N104, 000 for its civil servants while Ebonyi State followed suit by raising the minimum wage for its civil servants to N90,000.

    Urging other governors to toe the same path, he attributed the response on the part of the two states to either the increased inflow from the federation account, prudent management of resources or productivity of the workers.

    He explained that states have no excuse not to pay their workers beyond the minimum wage especially in the face of economic realities. He stressed that it was in the best interest of sub nationals to review the wages of their workers so as to enhance their productivity.

     “Workers are the key drivers of the economy. And whatever will increase productivity or drive motivation especially with the fuel subsidy removal and other reforms carried out should not be toyed with,” he said.

    He also urged the governors to deploy the increased inflow from the federal government to address other economic issues so as to enable the minimum wage become more sustainable for the workers.

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    Lauding the efforts of some governments at the subnational level who have provided CNG buses to address transportation problem for their workers, he urged them to pay adequate attention to finding lasting solutions to issues relating to food security and housing.

    While admitting that many states are recording huge increase in Internally Generated Revenue, he noted that NECA is indeed worried about the development as this may have resulted in increased taxes on private businesses/employers, thereby negating the federal government’s efforts to reduce tax burden as enunciated in the recently signed tax reform bill.

    He also called on state governments to play close attention to human capacity development as against devoting attention on building infrastructure.

     “If you don’t train the workers, you are basically sabotaging yourself as a government. Our expectation is that beyond pooling the fund, or paying minimum wage, the state should make effort in equipping the workers as it is being done in the private sector. By so doing, the context of productivity will meet the context of wage demand,” he said.

    Emphasising on the significance of human capacity development, he cited NECA as an example of an organisation that is already taking advantage of opportunities from Microsoft to train a lot of Nigerians on AI skills.

  • NECA lauds Tinubu’s commitment to pensioners

    NECA lauds Tinubu’s commitment to pensioners

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his consistent interest in the welfare of retirees and pensioners.

    NECA’s Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, who gave the commendation in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, said that the President’s actions reflect a deep recognition of the value of workers who have dedicated their productive years to building the Nigerian economy.

    Oyerinde described the Tinubu’s consistent attention to pension-related matters as a strong signal of his administration’s dedication to social protection and economic dignity in retirement.

    He said it also demonstrates commitment to the long-term sustainability of the pension system.

     “One critical step to sustain this momentum is the timely reconstitution of the Governing Body of the National Pension Commission (PenCom),” Oyerinde stated.

    Read Also: NECA partners Oyo govt on sustainability of business environment

    This, he said, should be done in full compliance with the Pension Reform Act.

    He warned that the absence of a fully functional Governing Body affects effective oversight, policy direction, and corporate governance within PenCom.

    PenCom, he noted, manages funds which are the life savings of millions of Nigerian workers.

    “The pension industry thrives on trust, transparency, and sound governance,” Oyerinde said.

    He stressed that reconstituting PenCom’s Governing Body promptly would safeguard these principles, uphold the law, and boost public confidence in the entire pension system.

    Oyerinde said NECA, however, reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the growth and development of the pension sector.

    He pledged that NECA would continue to work with the government and stakeholders to strengthen pension administration in Nigeria.

    He added that this includes advocating for policies that ensure pension asset safety, expand pension coverage, and improve the welfare of all retirees.

    “As the umbrella body for organised business in Nigeria, NECA will remain a vocal advocate for a sustainable pension system that works for all.

    “A strong pension industry is not just about retirement benefits; it is about economic stability, social cohesion, and intergenerational fairness,” Oyerinde said.

  • NECA, Oyo govt forge alliance on business environment

    NECA, Oyo govt forge alliance on business environment

    Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) is set to collaborate with Oyo State Government to ensure sustainability of business environment in the state.

    The step, according to the Director General of NECA, Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, was to strengthen public-private dialogue for business environmental sustainability.

    Speaking in Ibadan during an engagement between the state government and organised private sector with the theme: ‘Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue for Environmental Sustainability in Oyo State’, Oyerinde said one of the biggest signals to collaboration was willingness to listen.

    He said Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources had shown willingness to listen to the organised private sector, to ensure sustainability of business environment.

    Read Also: NECA makes case for reform policies alignment

    Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Temilolu Ashamu, said the ministry remained committed to fostering transparent, fair and an enabling regulatory environment that supported responsible partnership and businesses.

    The Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti state chapters, represented by the Treasurer, Sunday Aboriomoh, appealed to the Ministry of Environment to carry MAN along in its decision-making and policy formulation that affected environment in the state.

    He said Oyo State House of Assembly must collaborate with the Ministry of Environment to create an enabling environment for business to thrive.

  • NECA partners Oyo govt on sustainability of business environment

    NECA partners Oyo govt on sustainability of business environment

    The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) is set to collaborate with the Oyo state government towards ensuring the sustainability of the business environment in the state.

    The step, according to the Director General of NECA, Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, was to strengthen public-private dialogue for business environmental sustainability across the state.

    Speaking in Ibadan during an engagement between the state government and organised private sector, theme: Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue for Environmental Sustainability in Oyo State, Oyerinde stated that one of the biggest signals to collaboration is the willingness to listen.

    He said the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has shown willingness to listen to the organised private sector to ensure sustainability of the business environment.

    He noted that the government needs the private sector to drive development across the state, adding that the private sector also needs the government to create an enabling environment through regulations and laws.

    “It is a mutually inclusive collaboration for all of us. If we don’t collaborate, the people we are trying to save, the masses, will suffer for it.

    “We are glad that we have taken this bold step with the Ministry of Environment, and we shall continue to deepen the engagement not only for the good of business, but for all citizens of the state.

    In his remark, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Temilolu Ashamu said the Ministry remained committed towards fostering a transparent, fair and enabling regulatory environment that supported responsible partnership and businesses.

    He stated that his Ministry is ready to provide technical assistance, engage regularly with stakeholders in policy and implementation and promote collaborative initiatives that will advance and collective environmental goals.

    “Our doors are open for dialogue, partnership and innovation, as we strive to make environmental sustainability a cornerstone of development in Oyo State.”

    He, however, urged participants at the event to reflect on how their operations and investments can not only comply with environmental laws but also go beyond compliance to become champions of sustainability.

    He emphasised the critical role the private sector played in promoting environmental protection and sustainable business practices.

    “Your sector is a key driver of economic growth, innovation and job creation, and I believe that we can work together to achieve a more sustainable future

    “Sustainable development cannot be achieved alone by the government; it requires participation and active partnership with the private sector. Public-private partnerships have the potential to drive innovation, strengthen compliance and promote green investment.

    “Our mutual goal is to create a thriving economy that does not come at the expense of our land, air, water and well-being of our people.”

    In his remark, the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman, said the Committee remained open for continuous collaboration both with the organised private sector, as a group or with individual companies.

    “Beyond conversation, we must see action that inspires, responsibility and strengthens our shared resolve to leave behind a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Oyo State.”

    Read Also: NECA makes case for reform policies alignment

    Also, the chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, represented by the Treasurer, Sunday Aboriomoh, appealed to the Ministry of Environment to always carry MAN along in its decision-making and policy formulation that affect the environment in the state.

    He said the Oyo State House of Assembly must also collaborate with the Ministry of Environment so as to create an enabling environment for business to thrive in the state.

    He lamented that members of MAN are passing through various challenges such as high exchange rate, high bank interest rate and others, which forced some of their companies to fold up, while some are producing at 30 percent capacity.

    He, however, urged the government to prevail on banks to give MAN a low interest rate so as to foster an enabling environment and economic development across Oyo State.

  • NECA urges effective implementation of NATEP

    NECA urges effective implementation of NATEP

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) says effective implementation is crucial to ensure the success of the Federal Government’s National Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

    NECA’s Director-General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, made this known in a statement issued by the Media Relations Officer, Mr Seun Amigun, on Monday in Lagos.

    Oyerinde commended the Federal Government for reviving NATEP and acknowledged the initial progress made under the initiative.

    The Federal Government first unveiled NATEP in September 2023 and re-launched it in June 2025.

    The programme aims to position Nigeria as a global hub for service exports, talent development, and international talent deployment.

    It targets the creation of one million jobs over five years and seeks to boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings by leveraging its human capital.

    Oyerinde cited National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, which showed over 2.3 million unemployed Nigerians in 2023 and 133 million living in poverty in 2022.

    He stressed that, given these figures, initiatives focused on job creation were necessary to ease hardship faced by many Nigerian households.

    “Though Nigeria is rich in natural and human resources, implementation and coordination—not policy absence—remain the key challenges,” he said.

    According to him, NATEP is well positioned to address these challenges, particularly in harnessing and exporting Nigeria’s large talent base.

    He highlighted NATEP’s core pillars: policy support, talent development, infrastructure and innovation, and financial incentives as its strategic framework.

    The DG noted existing fragmentation in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and talent export sectors, which lacked coherent policy direction.

    He expressed optimism that NATEP, led by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, would bring needed coordination.

    Read Also: NECA urges govt on new expatriate reforms

    Oduwole previously headed the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), known for its reforms.

    Since its re-launch, NATEP has gained momentum, marked by MoUs and commitments from global tech firms like Huawei and Microsoft.

    “These developments show promise in making Nigeria Africa’s leading outsourcing destination,” he said.

    However, NECA urged NATEP to align with key International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions for ethical outsourcing practices.

    These include ILO Convention No. 88 on public employment services and Convention No. 181 on private employment agencies.

    He encouraged Nigerian youths to register in the NATEP database to fully benefit from its opportunities.

    He also advised them to acquire relevant skills and certifications through recognised training agencies to boost global employability.

    The DG recommended embedding key skill sets into national curricula from secondary school level to ensure a steady talent pipeline.

    Oyerinde emphasised the need to balance domestic skill demands with talent export, to avoid excessive brain drain and socio-economic setbacks.

  • Employers seeks enabling environment for MSMEs

    Employers seeks enabling environment for MSMEs

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has canvased the need for enabling environment through the provision of infrastructure, access to finance and capacity workshop to drive economic growth

    This was the submission of Treasurer, NECA, Richard Ayibiowu at the annual MSMEs Fair on May 6, at NECA House, Alausa, Lagos.

    The MSMEs Fair, a premier event designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in scaling and sustaining their businesses, is targeted at empowering startups and business owners with practical strategies to drive long-term success.

    Ayibiowu stated that some of the ideas generated from the dialogue if properly implemented would help to stabilize the economy and drive growth.

    Speaking on the theme titled “Galvanising MSMEs for Economic Growth and Stability, he stated that MSMEs should be encouraged to demonstrate their capacity, realise their potentials and consequently contribute to economic growth.

    He  called for innovative and inclusive approaches to MSME development, urging public and private sector players to treat support for MSMEs as a long-term investment.

     He added that commitment to MSMEs must go beyond financial returns while specific grants and non-commercial support are needed.

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    Delivering her keynote address, the Managing Director, Fate Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi emphasised the need for a favorable operating environment for MSMEs in Nigeria, noting that without their active contribution, meaningful economic development in Nigeria is impossible.

    “To truly unlock the potential of MSMEs as a cornerstone for economic growth and national stability, we must foster an environment where stakeholders are empowered and encouraged to demonstrate their capabilities and contributions.

    This starts with a strong policy framework, one that guarantees access to infrastructure, professional financial guidance, and sustained government support,” Adeyemi said.

    She  noted that MSMES must consider capacity building as a necessity if it hopes to scale their business and drive inclusive growth.

    “We need to embrace diverse and innovative schemes that genuinely support MSMEs, regardless of immediate outcomes. All stakeholders, whether in the public or private sector must shift their mindset to see MSME development as a long-term investment agenda, not merely a commercial opportunity,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Country Director, International Labour Organisation(ILO), Ms. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, stated that MSMEs owners must ensure that the running of their enterprises are devoid of any human right violations most especially child labour.

    According to Phala-Moyo, respect for human rights must be upheld particularly as it relates to eliminating child labour for inclusive and sustainable development.

    “Eliminating child labour is not merely a moral imperative; it’s a business necessity and pathway to sustainable economic transformation,” Phala-Moyo stated.

  • NECA, Customs partner to boost trade

    NECA, Customs partner to boost trade

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has emphasised the need for sustained collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

    This, the assocation described as a pathway to driving inclusive economic growth, enhancing the nation’s trade competitiveness, and improving the overall business environment.

    During a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, yesterday at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja, NECA President, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, said the engagement was part of the association’s efforts to foster deeper synergy between the public and private sectors in advancing national development.

    “With over 4,000 member-companies and 30 industrial associations under our umbrella, NECA remains unwavering in its commitment to championing a more enabling and competitive business environment,” Okoye said.

    According to him, NECA’s visit was also to commend the Customs Service for reforms and operational improvements made in recent months, many of which have helped streamline trade procedures and support enterprise growth.

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    “We are here today not only to deepen our engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service but also to commend the significant achievements recorded under your leadership. These milestones reflect a clear commitment to reform, operational excellence, and service delivery,” Okoye stated.

    One of the reforms praised by NECA was the recent suspension of the Free on Board (FOB) policy directive, which Okoye described as “a proactive response to the concerns of organised businesses” and a testament to the Service’s “willingness to engage with stakeholders.”

    He also noted the implementation of trade facilitation tools such as the Advance Ruling mechanism, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the Time Release Study – initiatives he said have helped reduce bureaucratic delays, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

    “These reforms are not just policies on paper; they are impactful initiatives directly supporting Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs,” Okoye said.

    “We look forward to continued engagement with the NCS to promote inclusive growth, enhance trade competitiveness, and strengthen the economy.”

    In his remarks, Customs Comptroller-General Adeniyi welcomed the NECA delegation and expressed appreciation for the association’s support. He reiterated the Service’s openness to collaboration, stressing that stakeholder engagement was key to effective trade administration.

    “I am always glad to partner with private enterprises. At Customs, we understand that our actions or inaction directly impact the business environment,” Adeniyi said.

    “This is why we place great importance on trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement.”

    The CGC assured the delegation that the NCS would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at simplifying trade procedures, ensuring compliance, and creating a more predictable and transparent trade ecosystem for businesses.

    According to him, “Continuous dialogue like this drives meaningful progress.”

  • NECA lauds Customs’ reforms, backs push for business-friendly policies

    NECA lauds Customs’ reforms, backs push for business-friendly policies

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has praised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its significant reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and creating a more business-friendly environment.

    This commendation comes in the wake of growing calls for improved collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to spur economic development.

    NECA president, Dr. Ifeanyi Okogwu, expressed the association’s appreciation during a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the NCS headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. 

    The visit focused on strengthening partnerships and supporting private sector growth.

    “We are here today to commend the Service for your impactful initiatives. NECA, established in 1957, represents over 4,000 businesses, and we recognize Customs as a critical partner in enhancing the operating environment for businesses,” said Okogwu.

    As the primary umbrella body for private sector employers in Nigeria, NECA continues to champion reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. 

    Okogwu highlighted several recent innovations by Customs, including the Advance Ruling system, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the Time Release Study, noting their transformative impact in reducing bureaucracy and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

    “These reforms are not just policies on paper; they are impactful initiatives directly supporting Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs. We look forward to continued engagement with the NCS to ensure businesses thrive and the economy grows,” he added.

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    In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, appreciated NECA’s recognition of the Service’s efforts. He reiterated that Customs sees itself not merely as a regulatory agency but as an enabler of business growth and economic development.

    “I am always glad to partner with private enterprises. At Customs, we’ve come to understand that our actions or inaction have a direct bearing on the kind of business environment we create. This is why we put a lot of premium on trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement,” Adeniyi said.

    The CGC reaffirmed that the NCS remains committed to public-focused service delivery and will continue to simplify its processes to better serve the business community.

    “We see ourselves not just as enforcers, but as facilitators. We are committed to walking with you every step of the way in building a better ecosystem for Nigerian businesses to flourish. Continuous dialogue like this drives meaningful progress,” he concluded.

    The meeting ended with a mutual agreement to deepen collaboration, highlighting the pivotal role of Customs in creating a conducive environment for trade and investment, in line with the government’s broader economic reform agenda.

  • NECA seeks review of  policies hindering  economic growth

    NECA seeks review of  policies hindering  economic growth

    Director-General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, has called for a more pragmatic approach in the implementation of economic policies to ensure job security and survival of businesses.

    Speaking on TVC Business Nigeria, Smatt-Oyerinde urged policymakers to review policies that hinder economic growth and job creation. He highlighted the need for regulatory bodies to align their actions with the government’s broader economic recovery agenda pointing out that recent policy adjustments, such as the suspension of the four per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy and the reduction of the 50 per cent tariff, should be extended to other regulatory measures.

    He noted that excessive levies and compliance costs imposed by the government would ultimately impact consumers and the economy, urging it to consider long-term economic stability in the implementation of economic policies.

    “While it is the law, expediency should come first. Is it appropriate to implement certain policies now when businesses are reducing capacity utilization, stock levels are increasing, and jobs are being lost? The law is not made to kill us; it is made to facilitate business growth. If it is now constituting a hindrance to the private sector and, by extension, the economy, then we must review it.”

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    “And if that same law is now constituting an endurance to development of the private sector, and by extension, an endurance to development of the economy of this nation, I think we can review it. If the 4% FOB can be suspended, if I see a feeling that the 50% tariff can also be reduced, can also be suspended, I think there is no reason why the FRCM cannot also take a cue from this pattern that has been initiated for us to save the horse, for us to save the goose that is laying the golden egg,” he said.

    He urged the government to prioritize developing policies that would create business opportunities as against stifling business growth in Nigeria.

    “This myopic view of revenue generation will do more damage to the bigger picture that the President is focused on. Every additional financial burden on businesses translates to job losses, higher consumer prices, and reduced disposable income for Nigerians. We must shift our focus to policies that promote business survival and economic recovery,” he said.

  • NECA: Collaboration, others will address economic challenges

    NECA: Collaboration, others will address economic challenges

    The Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, has called for collaboration, sustainability and the strategic engagement of Nigerians in diaspora to address socio-economic challenges in the country.

    Oyerinde said this would help in unlocking the country’s vast potential.

    He stated this at a one-day capacity development workshop, organised by NECA for business editors in Lagos.

    The theme of the workshop was: “Brain Drain to Brain Gain: The Role of the Media in Shaping Nigeria’s Narrative”.

    The DG outlined NECA’s initiatives to tackle unemployment, promote sustainability and foster economic growth through strategic partnerships.

    “We are building partnerships with individuals and organisations that have the competence to make an impact, not only within our system but also at the national level.”

    “Reaching out to you is part of this drive for collaboration because, without gatekeepers, those who amplify our efforts, nothing reaches the public,” he said.

    Oyerinde explained that NECA’s approach focuses on creating synergy across sectors to address Nigeria’s pressing issues.

    He noted that the association would continue to build partnerships and identify crisis points, particularly unemployment, sustainability, and brain drain as major challenges facing the nation.

    The NECA boss stressed the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and sustainability in Nigeria’s economic strategy.

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    The DG maintained that the world is moving towards ESG and sustainability, and Nigeria must not be left behind.

    According to him, NECA is having serious conversations with organisations like UNICEF and others to drive sustainability and embed ESG practices into the Nigerian economy.

    Oyerinde acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerians in diaspora, particularly through remittances that boost the economy.

    “On December 30th, the diaspora contributed trillions to the Nigerian economy. This massive inflow underscores the positive impact of Nigerians living abroad who continue to invest and send resources back home,” he said.

    Oyerinde added that NECA’s collaborative efforts also aim to harness the potential of the diaspora to address brain drain and convert it into brain gain.

    “The resources, knowledge, and expertise of the diaspora are critical to Nigeria’s development; we must find ways to encourage them to reinvest their skills and wealth in the country,” he said.

    Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of African Heritage Foundation, Amb. Adedeji Adetunji emphasised the importance of leadership, patriotism and reversing brain drain into brain gain.

    Reflecting on decades of advocacy, Adetunji highlighted his efforts to engage African leaders on the continent’s development trajectory.

    “The advocacy we started in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has been ongoing since the 1980s. I have interviewed nearly all the presidents of Africa, including Baba Obasanjo. Leadership is key. Without integrity, nothing works,” he said.

    Adetunji recounted significant contributions made by African initiatives, such as the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, as well as the Atlanta project during the 1996 Olympics, which brought global attention to Africa’s potential.

    According to the facilitator, it is imperative to convert brain drain into brain gain. “Nigeria and Africa are losing talents to the developed world, but this does not have to be permanent. We need to encourage the diaspora to reinvest their skills and knowledge back home. “Brain drain to brain gain is the foundation for equitable leadership and progress in education, research, and business,” he said.

    Adetunji stressed the role of patriotism in fostering sustainable development. “Let us advocate patriotism in our country. It is not the government that drives the economy, but private initiatives. The private sector is the engine that fuels any nation’s growth,” he said.