NECA Awards Highlight Resilience and Job Creation in Nigeria’s Private Sector
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) revealed that its members are responsible for generating eight out of every ten jobs in Nigeria. This announcement was made during the 4th NECA Annual Employers’ Excellence Awards in Lagos, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged to enhance the operating environment for the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the state.
Speaking at the event, NECA’s Director General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, explained that the awards aim to honor businesses that demonstrate resilience, tenacity, innovation, and significant contributions to national growth. He emphasized, “The private sector provides eight out of every ten jobs in the country. These awards focus on critical global business issues such as climate change, sustainability, and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors.”
Oyerinde also mentioned the importance of collaborating with the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to promote responsible business practices within the legal framework. He voiced concerns over conflicting regulations and agencies that perceive organized businesses as mere sources of revenue instead of valuable partners in national development.
The awards were designed to celebrate those companies persevering in a challenging economic climate while also recognizing those that have exited the market over the past year, with hopes for their eventual return. Oyerinde noted that the awards serve as a standard for corporate excellence in Nigeria, offering a platform to honor companies that excel in economic contributions and prioritize employee welfare, diversity, and sustainability.
Under the theme “Defying The Odds,” the awards recognize organizations that focus on long-term profitability and demonstrate resilience amidst difficult circumstances, while also caring about their employees and broader society.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the essential role employers play in driving economic advancement and reiterated his government’s pledge to foster an enabling environment for business growth. He promised ongoing support for enterprise development and innovation through strategic investments in infrastructure, security, and technology.
In a speech delivered by the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, the governor praised NECA for its longstanding commitment to enhancing enterprise competitiveness, promoting responsible business conduct, and maintaining industrial harmony since its establishment in 1957. He remarked that the theme of the awards perfectly encapsulates the resilience, innovation, and determination that characterize Nigerian employers as they navigate obstacles to sustain their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to national growth.
Sanwo-Olu urged collective action to address the challenges facing businesses, calling upon employers—key stakeholders in the economy—to take the lead in advocating for workplace diversity, fostering innovation, and prioritizing the welfare of their employees.
At the awards ceremony, telecommunications leader MTN Nigeria was honored as Employer of the Year, followed by Fidson Healthcare and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) as first and second runners-up, respectively. Additionally, Dangote Industries Limited and Nestle Nigeria received Special Awards for their contributions to resilience, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development initiatives.
Join our Channel...