NECA Seeks Government Intervention Over Closure of Lagos Industrial Facilities

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called for urgent intervention from the federal and Lagos State governments to reopen manufacturing and commercial facilities in Lagos's Dopemu industrial corridor. NECA seeks a balanced interim solution while a land dispute is resolved through the courts, stressing the significant economic implications of the prolonged closure.

NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde highlighted that the affected corridor is part of the vital Lagos-Ogun industrial axis, which accounts for over half of Nigeria's total industrial output. He emphasized that the disruption poses a matter of national economic concern, extending beyond a mere commercial dispute.

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Our appeal is straightforward. We urge the federal government and Lagos State Government to work with all relevant stakeholders to find a balanced solution that upholds the rule of law while safeguarding jobs, sustaining critical manufacturing activities, protecting investor confidence and preventing avoidable socio-economic hardship.

The closures followed the enforcement of a warrant of possession by the Lagos State High Court Sheriff’s Department on July 30, 2026, stemming from a long-standing land dispute. Oyerinde stated, "Our appeal is straightforward. We urge the federal government and Lagos State Government to work with all relevant stakeholders to find a balanced solution that upholds the rule of law while safeguarding jobs, sustaining critical manufacturing activities, protecting investor confidence and preventing avoidable socio-economic hardship."

NECA reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary and the rule of law but stressed the public interest in preventing prolonged operational paralysis for businesses that employ thousands. The association urged the federal government, through the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), alongside the Lagos State Government, to explore interim measures. These measures should protect jobs, investments, and industrial activities while mitigating socio-economic consequences, without prejudicing the judicial process. "Nigeria cannot afford to lose productive enterprises and livelihoods when pragmatic interim measures can preserve economic stability without prejudicing the judicial process," Oyerinde added.

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Nigeria cannot afford to lose productive enterprises and livelihoods when pragmatic interim measures can preserve economic stability without prejudicing the judicial process.