NIGERIA PURSUING HISTORIC REFORMS, MINISTER TELLS EMPLOYERS

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Simon Lalong, has assured employers and business leaders that the Federal Government is pursuing historic reforms aimed at creating a more conducive environment for private sector growth and job creation.

The minister made the statement on Friday while addressing the annual general meeting of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business, reform labour laws, and address the skills gap in the workforce.

“Nigeria is undergoing historic reforms that will unlock the potential of our economy. We are committed to working closely with the private sector to create jobs, improve productivity, and ensure inclusive growth,” Lalong stated.

He called on employers to support the government’s initiatives by investing in skills development, adopting modern technology, and maintaining good industrial relations. The minister also urged them to embrace fair labour practices and contribute to the social security of their workers.

The President of NECA, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, commended the government for some of the reforms implemented so far but called for more aggressive action to address the high cost of doing business, multiple taxation, and infrastructure deficits. He assured the minister of the organised private sector’s readiness to partner with the government for national development.

The meeting also featured discussions on the impact of recent economic policies on businesses and the need for continuous dialogue between the government and employers. Participants agreed on the importance of a stable policy environment and the need to tackle insecurity to boost investor confidence.

The minister’s assurance is seen as a renewed commitment by the Tinubu administration to collaborate with the private sector. As Nigeria continues to implement far-reaching economic reforms, stakeholders expect more concrete outcomes that will translate into improved business performance and job opportunities for citizens.