The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) is urging the Federal Government to adopt innovative policies that stimulate growth and development within the private sector. This appeal was made by NECA’s Director-General, Mr. Adewale Oyerinde, during a press conference announcing the upcoming Nigeria Employers’ Summit.
Themed “Economic Renaissance: Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility,” the summit is scheduled for June 25-26, 2024, in Abuja. Oyerinde emphasized the private sector’s pivotal role as a driving force for national development, consistently fueling economic growth despite numerous reforms and economic shifts.
“The summit is designed to foster dialogue between employers, government agencies, and stakeholders to tackle critical issues facing the private sector. It aims to bolster engagement and propose alternative policies, recognizing the government’s need for informed recommendations,” Oyerinde explained.
He highlighted the diverse impact of the new government’s reforms on national life, noting NECA’s commitment to facilitating constructive interaction between the government and organized businesses. The summit, he stated, will focus on aligning reforms with the private sector’s agility to achieve desired outcomes.
“We envision a prosperous future for Nigeria,” Oyerinde added. “By creating platforms like this summit, we can exchange perspectives, guide the government through business challenges, and leverage the private sector’s flexibility.”
The summit’s co-chair, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adebayo, Chairman of the Committee of Finance Experts at NECA, emphasized the summit’s role in fostering mutual understanding between employers and policymakers. He stressed the importance of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“The government cannot be the primary employer,” Adebayo stated. “Small and large businesses within the organized private sector are essential instruments for economic growth and development.”
Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka, Chairperson of NECA’s Committee Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, echoed the call for collaboration between the private and public sectors.
“The summit’s essence is to collectively develop strategies that drive economic growth,” Uwadoka said. “While numerous reforms are underway, we need to focus on immediate solutions that can quickly revitalize the economy and create a more conducive environment for businesses to flourish.”
