Nigerian Employers Step Up to Lead on ESG and Sustainable Business

In response to rising national and international expectations for businesses to adopt responsible and sustainable practices, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has taken a significant stride towards building stronger capacity in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.

On 8 and 9 July 2025, NECA hosted a training of trainers (ToT) in Lagos as part of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) LEADER programme. This initiative, officially known as Leading Employers in Action for Social and Environmental Responsibility, is run by the ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP) and supported by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO). Its aim is to equip business membership organisations with the knowledge and practical tools needed to guide their member companies in integrating ESG considerations into their strategies.

A localised version of the training was carefully adapted to reflect the unique challenges and opportunities present within the Nigerian context. Twenty NECA staff members and partners took part in the ToT, preparing them to become advocates and trainers for ESG among employers nationwide.

“ESG is no longer an option” said NECA Director General, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde. “The organisation is committed to championing ESG and demonstrating leadership in promoting sustainable business practices.”

Immediately following the ToT, a step-down training session was held on 10 and 11 July, attended by representatives of 52 multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from various sectors of the Nigerian economy. These companies gained fresh insights, exchanged experiences and discussed practical approaches to enhancing sustainability and responsible business conduct.

Some participants are already implementing robust ESG measures, while others used the training as a launchpad to begin integrating ESG into their operations. Across the sessions, it became clear that beyond regulatory pressure, Nigerian employers see real business value in pursuing sustainability: improved competitiveness, resilience and reputation.

By investing in this initiative, NECA and its members signal their intention to align with global best practices and respond proactively to the growing demand from investors, consumers and regulators for responsible business conduct.

For more information, visit NECA (www.neca.org.ng) and the ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities (www.ilo.org/actemp).

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