The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through strategic investments in infrastructure, security, technology and initiatives in the state.
Speaking at the 4th annual Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) Excellence Awards, held at the Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Lagos, the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Head of Service, HoS, Olabode Agoro, said through strategic investments in infrastructure, security, technology and initiatives, the state would continue to support enterprise development and innovation.
While appreciating employers’ vital role in fostering economic growth and development, Governor Sanwo-Olu restated his government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive
The government also commended the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) for its resilience, innovation, and determination in overcoming challenges to sustain businesses, create jobs, and drive national development.
He said: “The institutionalisation of this awards ceremony in 2022 was a visionary step, and it has since become the gold standard for recognising and celebrating excellence among employers in Nigeria.
“Beyond celebrating individual achievements, this event inspires a culture of best practices in corporate governance, industrial relations, environmental sustainability, and responsible business conduct.
“As Governor of Lagos State, I am proud to acknowledge the vital role of employers in fostering economic growth and development.
“In Lagos, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, security, technology, and initiatives such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), we continue to support enterprise development and innovation”.
He said: “Your achievements are a testament to the transformative power of vision and determination.
“As we celebrate your success, let us also recommit to building a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient economy for Nigeria.
“I applaud NECA for its tireless efforts in promoting dialogue, collaboration, and excellence within Nigeria’s business community”
Dr. Eric Ifeanyi Okoye, the president of NECA, said the award was to reward and celebrate the doggedness and resilience of organised business in Nigeria.
Okoye, said: “Nigerian enterprises are arguably the most dogged and resilient in the world despite the myriads of challenges besetting the operating environment.
Mr. Adewole Smatt-Oyerinde, the Director-General of NECA, said the award is geared toward promoting and encouraging best practices in corporate performance, people’s management, and industrial relations practices among employers in Nigeria.
He said: “The private sector contributes eight out of every 10 jobs in the country. The awards are focusing more on fundamental issues affecting businesses globally such as climate change, sustainability, just transition and the Environment, Social and Governance, ESG, issues.
“It also about deepening engagements with the Centre for International Private Enterprise, CIPE, and the International Labour Organisation, ILO, in the context of responsible business conduct within the context of the law.
At the awards, telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) took the positions of first, second and third as Employer of the Year respectively, while Dangote Industries Limited and Nestle Nigeria, among others won the Special Awards Visual Impacts in Resilience and Entrepreneurship as well as in SDG and Green Projects respectively.