The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has said businesses are operating in a rapidly changing environment, marked by skills shortages, intensifying competition and the need to strengthen productivity and resilience.
NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos at a press conference to announce the 42nd Omolaloye Management Lecture, scheduled to hold next week.
The annual lecture is themed, ‘$1tn economy: What it will take Nigeria to achieve the goal’.
Oyerinde, who was represented at the event by NECA’s Deputy Director, Legal, Thompson Akpabio, said the lecture would provide a platform to discuss these challenges and generate insights that could improve management practices and strengthen institutions.
“Enterprises are operating in an environment characterised by rapid changes. Some of these changes include a new world of work on workplace expectations, skill gaps, competitiveness, and the continuing need to improve productivity and resilience, especially in this economy that we operate in,” Oyerinde said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s economic progress depended not only on sound policies and investment but also on the quality of leadership and management within organisations.
“Effective management is essential for productivity, innovation, competitiveness, industrial harmony, and the creation of a sustainable enterprise. The 2026 edition therefore comes at an important time for businesses and the Nigerian economy,” he said.
Oyerinde described the media engagement as important, noting that the media remained a key partner in communicating issues affecting the economy, workplace and future of businesses in Nigeria.
The NECA boss said the lecture held a special place in the association’s calendar because it brought together business leaders, policymakers, professionals, academics and other stakeholders to examine contemporary management and economic issues, exchange ideas and explore practical ways to improve organisational performance and support national development.
Giving a background to the forthcoming event, Oyerinde said Dr Michael Omolayole served as NECA’s 10th President from 1980 to 1986.
He said the lecture was established to honour Omolayole’s contributions to management, enterprise development and the growth of Nigeria’s organised private sector.
“As employers and representatives of the organised private sector, NECA recognises and also welcomes each and every person who will be part of the event,” he said.
Also speaking, the President of AIESEC Alumni Nigeria, Marcel Mba, said only about 21 countries had economies with nominal gross domestic product exceeding $1tn, out of more than 200 countries globally, with no African country among them.
“No African country is even close. And sadly, Nigeria had achieved a higher GDP level in the past. So, it is a source of concern and interest to all discerning citizens of Nigeria. Hence the need for you to come and join the conversation here,” he said.
