NECA, ILO Launch ESG Guide to Boost Nigerian MSMEs
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has launched a new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Implementation Guide aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
The initiative is designed to strengthen sustainable business practices and improve the competitiveness of small businesses across the country.
Event Details
The guide was officially unveiled on May 8, 2026, at NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, with stakeholders from across the public and private sectors in attendance.
Purpose of the ESG Guide
The new guide seeks to help MSMEs:
Understand ESG principles
Integrate sustainability into daily operations
Identify risks and opportunities
Improve access to finance and global markets
According to NECA, the guide is structured to be:
Practical, accessible, and action-oriented for businesses of all sizes.
Key Statement
Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, emphasized that ESG has become a critical global standard for business success.
He noted that:
Investors, regulators, and consumers now expect responsible practices
Many MSMEs struggle with ESG implementation due to cost and complexity
The guide was developed to bridge this gap and make adoption easier.
Why This Matters
1. Global competitiveness
Businesses that adopt ESG are more likely to:
Attract investors
Access international markets
Build long-term sustainability
2. Support for MSMEs
MSMEs form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but often lack:
Technical knowledge
Resources for sustainability
This guide provides a practical roadmap for growth.
3. Call for collaboration
NECA urged:
Government agencies
Financial institutions
Development partners
to work together in creating an enabling environment for MSMEs.
Next Steps
NECA announced plans to support implementation through:
Training programs
Advisory services
Strategic partnerships
🧠 Conclusion
The launch of the ESG Implementation Guide marks a significant step toward promoting responsible and sustainable business practices in Nigeria, positioning MSMEs for better opportunities in an increasingly competitive global economy.