NECA Calls for Enabling Environment for MSMEs to boost Economic Growth

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has canvased the need for enabling environment through the provision of infrastructure, access to finance and capacity workshop to drive economic growth.

This was the submission of Treasurer, NECA, Richard Ayibiowu at the annual MSMEs Fair held on May 6, 2025, at NECA House, Alausa, Lagos.

The MSMEs Fair, a premier event designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in scaling and sustaining their businesses, is targeted at empowering startups and business owners with practical strategies to drive long-term success.
Ayibiowu stated that some of the ideas generated from the dialogue if properly implemented would help to stabilize the economy and drive growth.

Speaking on the theme titled “Galvanising MSMEs for Economic Growth and Stability, he stated that MSMEs should be encouraged to demonstrate their capacity, realise their potentials and consequently contribute to economic growth.

He further called for innovative and inclusive approaches to MSME development, urging public and private sector players to treat support for MSMEs as a long-term investment. He added that commitment to MSMEs must go beyond financial returns while specific grants and non-commercial support are needed.
Delivering her keynote address, the Managing Director, Fate Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi emphasised the need for a favorable operating environment for MSMEs in Nigeria, noting that without their active contribution, meaningful economic development in Nigeria is impossible. “To truly unlock the potential of MSMEs as a cornerstone for economic growth and national stability, we must foster an environment where stakeholders are empowered and encouraged to demonstrate THEIR capabilities and contributions. This starts with a strong policy framework, one that guarantees access to infrastructure, professional financial guidance, and sustained government support,” Adeyemi said.

She further noted that MSMES must consider capacity building as a necessity if it hopes to scale their business and drive inclusive growth . “We need to embrace diverse and innovative schemes that genuinely support MSMEs, regardless of immediate outcomes. All stakeholders, whether in the public or private sector must shift their mindset to see MSME development as a long-term investment agenda, not merely a commercial opportunity,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Country Director, International Labour Organisation(ILO), Ms. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, stated that MSMEs owners must ensure that the running of their enterprises are devoid of any human right violations most especially child labour.

According to Phala-Moyo, respect for human rights must be upheld particularly as it relates to eliminating child labour for inclusive and sustainable development. “Eliminating child labour is not merely a moral imperative; it’s a business necessity and pathway to sustainable economic transformation,” Phala-Moyo stated.