NECA Sounds Alarm: Ongoing Strikes Taking Toll on Businesses

Infostride News reports that the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has strongly criticized the recurring strikes orchestrated by organized labor in the country, asserting that these constant disruptions are detrimentally impacting the business environment. NECA firmly asserted its refusal to allow either the Federal Government, entangled in persistent legal disputes, or organized labor, engaging in recurrent strikes, to continue jeopardizing legitimate businesses.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos State while announcing the third edition of the NECA Annual Employers’ Excellence Awards, themed ‘Against All Odds,’ the Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, expressed profound disappointment in the government’s perceived recklessness, particularly through the National Assembly, deeming it regrettable.

Oyerinde urged both the Federal Government and the National Assembly to reconsider their frequent summoning of organized businesses, categorizing it as disruptive and unnecessary. He emphasized that there are designated agencies responsible for regulating and engaging with these businesses, urging a more streamlined and efficient approach to governance.

Highlighting the need for the current administration to fulfill promised reforms, Oyerinde emphasized the counterproductive nature of continuously inviting employers to Abuja. He argued that the prevailing government policy inconsistencies are causing businesses and employers to exit the country, attributing this phenomenon to a historical lack of political will for sustained growth.

Drawing attention to the diverse factors affecting the stagnant economy, Oyerinde lamented the current administration’s recklessness and drew a contrast with the disciplined leadership of past president Major General Tunde Idiagbon. He reminisced about a time when there was zero tolerance for indiscipline, expressing concern about the subsequent loss of direction in the nation’s leadership.

According to Oyerinde, Nigeria’s current challenges are rooted in decisions made by past governments, symbolized by persistently digging with ineffective tools. He argued that this flawed decision-making hampers economic growth by introducing unnecessary complications and obstacles.

Oyerinde highlighted the repercussions of businesses exiting the country, underscoring that the fallout extends beyond mere job losses to impact various stakeholders along the entire value chain. The NECA Director-General emphasized the gravity of this threat, cautioning that a failure to grasp and address it could potentially lead the nation toward adverse outcomes.

The lamentation continued as Oyerinde painted a picture of a nation grappling with the consequences of decisions that undermine its economic potential. He stressed the urgency for a strategic and coherent approach to governance, advocating for policies that foster a conducive business environment and encourage investments rather than driving businesses away.

In conclusion, NECA, through its Director-General, sounded a clarion call to the government to prioritize consistency, stability, and a business-friendly environment. The Association urged a departure from disruptive practices that negatively impact businesses and hinder the nation’s economic progress. As Nigeria navigates through its economic challenges, the hope is that policymakers will heed these calls for reform, ensuring a more conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive and contribute to the overall development of the nation. Infostride News will continue to monitor and report on developments related to these concerns.