The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has announced that its annual Employers’ Summit will be transformed into an International Employers’ Summit from 2027, expanding its scope for global policy dialogue and collaboration.
The Director-General of NECA, Mr Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, made the announcement in Abuja during the ongoing Nigeria Employers’ Summit 2026.
“Beginning in 2027, the Nigerian Employers’ Summit will transition into the International Employers’ Summit,” he said.
Oyerinde explained that the transition reflects NECA’s commitment to promoting investment, labour migration, enterprise development and economic transformation through stronger partnerships across Africa and the international business community.
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According to him, NECA’s partnerships across more than 50 African countries and its affiliation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) would strengthen the summit’s global outlook and significantly expand stakeholder participation.
“Through our partnerships in more than 50 African countries and our affiliation with the ILO, representing over 180 member States, the Summit will become a global platform.
“We are building a platform that will shape conversations, not only within Nigeria, but across Africa and the international business community,” he stated.
Oyerinde urged organisations, institutions and individuals yet to partner with the summit to join the initiative, describing it as an important platform shaping economic and business conversations beyond Nigeria.
He noted that the summit had consistently produced practical policy recommendations over the past five years, helping to strengthen confidence between government and the organised private sector.
The NECA Director-General recalled that the summit was established to bring together employers across diverse sectors to exchange views on economic issues and recommend policies that support sustainable enterprise development.
According to him, organised private sector groups had consistently advocated the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the policy decision as necessary despite the challenges it posed to businesses and citizens.
“These reforms are necessary. Difficult as they may be, they were inevitable if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable economic growth,” Oyerinde said.
He added that the summit remains a platform for constructive engagement between employers and policymakers.
“The summit remains a practical, solution-driven and evidence-based platform, where employers engage policymakers, ensuring government decisions reflect business realities and encourage sustainable economic development nationwide,” he stated.
Discussions at the two-day summit are expected to focus on economic reforms, industrial policy, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, regulatory reforms and the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reforms.
Oyerinde commended government officials, development partners, diplomatic representatives, business leaders and participants for supporting the forum and urged them to participate actively in the deliberations to achieve meaningful outcomes.
