The Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde has called for a more pragmatic approach in the implementation of economic policies to ensure job security for the people and survival of businesses in Nigeria.

Speaking during his appearance on a popular business-related program, Business Nigeria on TVC, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Smatt-Oyerinde urged policymakers to review implementation of policies that could hinder economic growth and job creation in Nigeria

He highlighted the need for regulatory bodies to align their actions with the government’s broader economic recovery agenda pointing out that recent policy adjustments, such as the suspension of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy and the reduction of the 50% tariff, should be extended to other regulatory measures.

He noted that excessive levies and compliance costs imposed by government would ultimately impact consumers and the economy, urging it to consider long-term economic stability in the implementation of economic policies.

“While it is the law, expediency should come first. Is it appropriate to implement certain policies now when businesses are reducing capacity utilization, stock levels are increasing, and jobs are being lost? The law is not made to kill us; it is made to facilitate business growth. If it is now constituting a hindrance to the private sector and, by extension, the economy, then we must review it.”

“And if that same law is now constituting an endurance to development of the private sector, and by extension, an endurance to development of the economy of this nation, I think we can review it. If the 4% FOB can be suspended, if I see a feeling that the 50% tariff can also be reduced, can also be suspended, I think there is no reason why the FRCM cannot also take a cue from this pattern that has been initiated for us to save the horse, for us to save the goose that is laying the golden egg,” he said

He urged government to prioritize developing policies that would create business opportunities as against stifling business growth in Nigeria.

“This myopic view of revenue generation will do more damage to the bigger picture that the President is focused on. Every additional financial burden on businesses translates to job losses, higher consumer prices, and reduced disposable income for Nigerians. We must shift our focus to policies that promote business survival and economic recovery,” he concluded.

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About NECA

Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) plays a pivotal role in shaping labor policies and practices in Nigeria. With a strong focus on promoting industrial harmony, workers’ rights, and best practices, NECA advocates for policies that ensure the fair treatment of workers and the continued growth of Nigeria’s workforce.

The Benue State Police Command said it has arrested two ring leaders in connection with the violent protest and destruction of properties in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area LGA of Benue state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP. Steve Yabanet, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) CSP Catherine Anene and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.

The Commissioner said they are being charged for culpable homicide, destruction of property in Naka.

The statement said that “On 11/03/2025 at about 0900hrs information was received from Naka Police Division that some youths were protesting at Naka, the headquarter of Gwer-west Local Government Area.

“In response to this information, the Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve Yabanet swiftly moved to the area in company of other heads of security agencies and Security Adviser to the Governor of Benue state, Col. Alexander Ashungyu (rtd) to assess the situation and take necessary actions.

“Upon arrival at the scene, It was gathered that some suspected herders had attacked and killed three youths in the area.

“Consequently, the youths mobilized themselves for a protest that eventually became violent and led to the destruction of the local government secretariat, Ter Nagi’s palace and properties of other prominent sons of Gwer-west.”

According to him, the increased presence of police teams assisted the division to put the situation under control while two ring leaders of the youth were arrested and investigation is on going.

While commiserating with family members and friends of the youths that lost their lives, the CP condemned the killing and promised to bring perpetuators to book.

The CP also condemned the destruction of property by the youth and assured victims of the mischief that justice will be served.

CP Yabanet advised citizens to go about their lawful businesses as increased security presence in the area is meant to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, was on Wednesday prevented from accessing the Rivers house of assembly quarters in Port Harcourt to present the 2025 budget.

When Fubara and his entourage arrived at the entrance of the building, the gates were locked.

The assembly quarters serve as the chamber for the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers assembly, which is loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Fubara and Wike have been locked in a supremacy battle over control of the political structure of the state.

The rift led to the polarisation of the Rivers assembly.

In December 2024, the governor presented a 2025 budget proposal of N1.1 trillion to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led state house of assembly which is loyal to him.

Speaking to journalists at the entrance of the locked assembly quarters, Fubara said he had come to the quarters in compliance with the supreme court judgment on the Rivers political crisis.

“I am here this morning with a few members of the state executive council to comply with the supreme court judgment,” the governor said.

“Before my arrival, I had made several attempts by phone calls to reach the speaker (Martin Amaewhule) and other members.

“I also wrote a letter personally, which was transmitted to the honourable speaker for this particular invitation.

“It is unfortunate that by the gate, you can see that the place is completely sealed and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today. The reason why we are doing this is the interest of our people — which is the most important thing.

“There is nothing to worry about. Maybe they are working on their letter. I expect to hear from them maybe after now.”