By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to decent work and responsible businesses in the country.
Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director General of NECA said this at the ongoing two-day high-level National Dialogue on Tuesday in Abuja.
The theme of the National Dialogue is, “Promoting Sustainable and Responsible Business Practices for the Realisation of Decent Work in Nigeria”.
Oyerinde said that NECA would remain at the forefront of championing decent work principles in Nigeria’s private sector.
“We must acknowledge the persistent challenges, such as the informal sector, which employs over 80 per cent of our workforce, remains largely excluded from social protections and decent working conditions.
“Many enterprises, particularly the Small, Medium Micro Enterprises(SMMEs), still struggle with full compliance with labour standards.
“While Nigeria has ratified 44 International Labour Organisation (ILO)Conventions, including all Fundamental Conventions, implementation gaps persist,”he said.
He said that NECA’s collaboration with the ILO and the International Organisation of Employers on Responsible Business Conduct workshops in Lagos and Abuja had reached 164 business leaders.
According to him, this is in order to significantly advance awareness of decent work principles among multinational and national enterprises.
He called for concerted action on multiple fronts that would include the strengthening of the tripartite-plus collaboration.
He said that such collaboration would include bringing together government, employers, workers, multinational enterprises and development partners.
He further called for the expansion of the social protection schemes and skills programmes to integrate informal workers into the formal economy.
Oyerinde also said that the finalisation and implementation of the 2023 Tripartite Roadmap with clear monitoring mechanisms would be vital in tracking progress.
“NECA remains committed to leading by example in promoting responsible business conduct that aligns with the ILO MNE Declaration.
“We call on all stakeholders to join us in transforming dialogue into concrete action. Let us work together to create a Nigeria where every worker in every sector can enjoy the benefits of decent work.
“This dialogue must be more than just another talking shop; it should mark the beginning of measurable, transformative progress towards sustainable business practices that deliver decent work for all,”he said.