3 days Ago By Admin2
When history books of Nigeria’s economic development are eventually written, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) will no doubt occupy a prominent place. For over six decades, NECA has silently but steadily played a pivotal role in shaping the contours of Nigeria’s private sector, advocating for enterprise-friendly policies, building productive synergy between labour and management, and ensuring sustainable business environments across sectors. In recognition of its steadfast contributions to national development through private sector engagement, Daily Independent recently recognised Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, Director General of NECA, as he won the Independent Newspapers Private Sector of the Year 2024 Award in the category of the “Outstanding Business Membership Organisation of the Year” award at the prestigious Independent Newspaper Awards.
The accolade is not only a testament to NECA’s consistent commitment to business growth and economic advocacy, but also a validation of its silent but strategic leadership within Nigeria’s economic landscape. Established in 1957, NECA has always stood as the collective voice of employers in the organized private sector (OPS). At its core, NECA is a consultative and advocacy body, interfacing with the government and organised labour on socio-economic and labour policies affecting businesses.
One of NECA’s greatest strengths lies in its policy advocacy. Over the years, the association has influenced and shaped several pro-business regulations and labour laws. It has consistently engaged key arms of government, executive, legislature, and relevant regulatory agencies, with insightful position papers, legal reviews, and well-researched memoranda that seek to ensure a fair, predictable, and investor-friendly business environment.
From the contentious debates on minimum wage adjustments, labour law reforms, and tax policy reengineering, to the clamor for greater ease of doing business in Nigeria, NECA has consistently been at the frontlines. Its policy interventions have not only guided government actions but also protected the interests of businesses and investors, both local and foreign. Another key area where NECA has left indelible footprints is industrial relations.
Nigeria’s labour environment, often riddled with strikes, protests, and industrial actions, requires a steady hand capable of navigating tense negotiations. NECA has served as that bridge between labour and employers, negotiating peaceful settlements that keep industries running and jobs intact. Through its constructive relationship with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), NECA has promoted dialogue over confrontation.
It offers support and advisory services to member companies on best practices in employee relations, compliance with labour standards, and dispute resolution. This effort has helped many organisations avoid unnecessary shutdowns while promoting a culture of mutual respect and understanding in the workplace. Beyond advocacy and industrial relations, NECA is also a key player in human capital development.
It operates several training and capacity-building initiatives through the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), the NECA Foundation, and in collaboration with institutions such as the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC). These programmes are targeted at enhancing workforce productivity, empowering women entrepreneurs, and equipping Nigerian youths with market-relevant skills. The NECA-ITF Technical Skills Development Programme (TSDP) is a case in point, a public-private partnership that has trained thousands of Nigerian youths in technical and vocational skills, increasing their employability and creating a ripple effect in job creation.
In a country grappling with staggering unemployment and a youth bulge, such initiatives are a lifeline. They align with the broader objectives of poverty reduction, economic inclusion, and national development. NECA has also proven itself as a custodian of ethical business practices.
Through its engagement with its member organisations, the association actively promotes compliance with international labour standards, corporate governance principles, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Its frequent stakeholder engagements, technical committees, and seminars focus on compliance, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. These are critical in building a responsible private sector that aligns with global best practices, especially as Nigeria seeks to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and integrate deeper into global markets.
NECA’s role in encouraging member companies to adhere to national and international labour conventions also helps safeguard workers’ rights while boosting Nigeria’s image in the global supply chain. One of NECA’s most commendable moments in recent years was its role during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Nigerian economy went into partial shutdown and businesses faced existential threats, NECA sprang into action, engaging government on behalf of private sector players to ensure fair stimulus packages, tax reliefs, and policies that supported business continuity.
It also offered a lifeline to many companies through virtual trainings, operational guidelines on health and safety, and legal advisory on employment contracts and retrenchment procedures. NECA’s interventions helped several businesses remain afloat during that period, protecting thousands of jobs and stabilising the economy when it mattered most. The association has since continued to support the private sector in navigating post-COVID realities, from inflationary pressures, forex crises, and energy costs, to supply chain disruptions and new regulatory regimes.
Another vital role NECA plays is that of a strategic partner to the government and international bodies. The association is a key member of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), and actively collaborates with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the African Employers’ Organisation. These relationships have given NECA the leverage to influence international labour standards, access development funds, and participate in shaping multilateral policy discussions.
It has successfully used this platform to advocate for reforms that directly benefit Nigerian employers and elevate the country’s image on the global economic stage. It is against this backdrop of sustained performance, innovation, and advocacy that NECA was honoured Daily Independent Awards. Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of NECA, Mr.
Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that the award was a challenge for NECA to continue delivering value to the private sector. “We are honoured by this award, not just because it acknowledges our work, but because it challenges us to do even more. We see it as a call to action to remain the trusted voice of Nigerian businesses and to continually raise the bar in private sector development,” he said.
Mr. Oyerinde also reiterated NECA’s readiness to support the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, provided they align with the principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and sustainability. He stressed the importance of consistent dialogue between government and the private sector, warning that over-taxation, unstable policies, and poor infrastructure could undermine economic progress.
While NECA has achieved much, the road ahead is still challenging. Nigeria’s business climate remains riddled with issues, multiple taxation, regulatory inconsistencies, insecurity, and inadequate infrastructure. The organised private sector is groaning under rising production costs, a volatile exchange rate, and inconsistent policy implementation.
But, with NECA’s steady hand on the wheel, there is hope. The association has proven that with consistency, engagement, and professionalism, real change is possible. Its recent award is not just a feather in its cap, it is a validation of over six decades of tireless service to the Nigerian economy.
As the nation charts a new course toward economic recovery and industrialisation, the importance of having an advocacy body like NECA cannot be overstated. It is the voice in the boardroom, the diplomat in the negotiation room, and the strategist in policy circles. Indeed, NECA is the unseen hand quietly steering Nigeria’s private sector toward progress.
And now, more than ever, that hand is being seen, and celebrated..
