The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to protect workers, strengthen businesses in the country.

Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, NECA’s director-general, said this during the MOU signing ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Oyerinde described the MOU as a momentous occasion, uniting the voice of business with civil society’s watchdog role to confront Nigeria’s pressing governance and economic challenges.

“At NECA, our role is to be the voice of organised business, to champion enterprise sustainability, decent work, economic renaissance, responsible business conduct and to advocate for a conducive business environment.

“For years, we have worked to build a prosperous Nigeria from an economic perspective.

“CISLAC, on the other hand, has masterfully championed the cause of transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights.

“You have been a crucial watchdog, ensuring that policy serves the public good.

“That is why this MoU is more than a document. It is a declaration that progress comes through collaboration.

“Together, we will be a more powerful voice for Nigeria’s renaissance,” he said.

Mr Oyerinde added that the signing of the MoU committed both groups to champion policy reform, decent work, fair taxation, responsible business, gender equity, climate action, and the removal of bottlenecks stifling enterprise and job creation.

He, therefore, commended CISLAC’s reputation as a leading voice for good governance and reform, adding that businesses and citizens share inseparable needs for transparency, fairness, and stability.

Also, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, executive director of CISLAC, described the partnership as a covenant of trust between civil society, employers, and workers.

He said that the dignity of labour and national productivity could no longer be negotiable.

According to him, workers are not commodities, but human beings deserving fair wages, safe workplaces, and respect, adding that the undervaluing labour undermines national prosperity.

Mr Rafsanjani said the goals of the partnership included evidence-based policy advocacy, stronger labour rights, fair governance, health, and climate action, among others..

“We will hold power accountable, partner with the private sector, and fight for a Nigeria where dignity of work and justice in governance are protected,” he said.

Mr Rafsanjani also warned against the rising underemployment and the informal labour sector.

To change the narrative, he said it required investment in education, skills, and fair workplace policies.

(NAN)