NECA makes case for fast-paced economic devt as employers hold summit

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has made a case for the deepening of reforms specifically targeted at encouraging the private sector and accelerating economic development.

Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, the director-general of NECA made the case at a news conference to announce this year’s annual Employers’ Summit planned for Tuesday, 25 and Wednesday 26, June, 2025, in Abuja, with the theme: “Enabling sustainable enterprise in a transitioning economy: Aligning fiscal, trade, and regulatory reforms for inclusive development.”

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Smatt-Oyerinde, who decried a mismatch in some policies of the Federal Government, emphasised the need to always seek the inputs of the private sector in policy formation and reforms, as they often bear the consequence of mismatched policies.

He cited the ‘Nigeria First’ policy recently announced by the Federal Government, which places emphasis on patronage of local goods, some of which are more expensive than imported goods due to the harsh operating environment Nigerian manufacturers operate.

“There’s a need for the government to align its various reforms with the private sector so as not to end up hurting businesses and stifling economic growth,” Smatt-Oyerinde said, adding that this will form part of the employers’ body engagement with the government during the two-day summit.

Victoria Uwadoka, chairman of the summit planning committee, said the objective was not merely to gather, but to galvanise stakeholders to chart a way forward.

“We aim to bring together leaders from government, industry, civil society, and the international community to engage in open, solution-oriented dialogue around some of the most urgent and strategic issues confronting enterprise in Nigeria today.”

She further noted the summit will catalyse bold reforms across fiscal, trade, and regulatory systems that can unlock the potential of Nigerian business.

It will also foster partnerships between the public and private sectors that are grounded in shared goals and mutual accountability, as well as build consensus on a forward-looking policy and institutional roadmap for sustainable enterprise and inclusive economic development.

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She noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima, and senior ministers including those of Finance, Industry, Interior, and the FCT, are expected to deliver keynote addresses, at the summit that will also feature panel discussions and masterclasses on tax reform, trade facilitation, digital enterprise, and labour policy, among others.