By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have expressed concern over government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) functioning as undertakers of businesses in the country. They also highlighted challenges such as rising inflation, multiple taxes, and threats of strikes and protests that continue to impede organized businesses in Nigeria.
During the third edition of NECA Employers’ Excellence Awards 2022 in Lagos, both associations commended businesses for their resilience in the face of a challenging business environment. The Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, warned that organized businesses would no longer accept a situation where social partners or the government acted as undertakers of legitimate businesses.
While praising the resilience of businesses despite a nearly 30% inflation rate, Oyerinde emphasized the need for a conducive business environment. He urged a shift away from the current challenges and called on MDAs, ministries, and government authorities to stop hindering legitimate businesses. Oyerinde emphasized the role of organized businesses in promoting foreign direct investment and their contribution to employment and the country’s GDP.
The Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, supported NECA’s concerns, stating that most MDAs have created an unfriendly business environment. He called for policies that would improve the economy and urged the private sector to influence such policies.
Former President of NECA, Sam Ohuabunwa, stressed the importance of investment for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. He encouraged employers, investors, and businesses to contribute to the needed investments in Nigeria.
In a related development, economist Bismarck Rewane noted that Nigerians are more concerned about the prices of essential commodities like rice, bread, and garri than the figures presented in the 2024 budget by President Bola Tinubu. Rewane emphasized the need for tangible improvements in the cost of living and basic necessities to resonate with the public.
These statements reflect the growing concerns within the business community about the challenges posed by government policies, inflation, and other factors affecting the overall business environment in Nigeria.
