NECA stressed its refusal to let either the Federal Government, with its persistent legal disputes, or organised labour, through recurrent strikes, continue to jeopardise legitimate businesses.
The Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said this on Tuesday while announcing the third edition of the NECA Annual Employers’ Excellence Awards with the theme ‘Against All Odds’ in Lagos State.
Oyerinde expressed disappointment in the government’s recklessness through the National Assembly, describing it as regrettable.
He urged both the Federal Government and the National Assembly to reconsider their continuous summoning of organised businesses, deeming it disruptive and unnecessary. He stressed that there are designated agencies responsible for regulating and engaging with these businesses.
Oyerinde emphasised the need for the current administration to deliver on promised reforms instead of continuously inviting employers to Abuja.
He said, “Government policy inconsistencies are causing businesses and employers to exit the country, citing a historical lack of political will for sustained growth.”
Oyerinde highlighted the diverse factors affecting the stagnant economy. He bemoaned the current administration’s recklessness and contrasted it with the disciplined leadership of past president Major General Tunde Idiagbon.
He explained that during Idiagbon’s era, there was zero tolerance for indiscipline, but Oyerinde lamented the subsequent loss of direction.
Oyerinde noted that Nigeria’s challenges result from decisions by past governments, symbolised by persistently digging with ineffective tools. This flawed decision-making hampers economic growth by introducing complications.
He highlighted the repercussions of businesses exiting the country, stressing that the fallout goes beyond job losses to impact various stakeholders along the entire value chain.
The NECA DG underscored the gravity of this threat, cautioning that failure to grasp and address it could potentially lead the nation toward adverse outcomes.
