By Afolabi Oyekunle.
The Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) has expressed deep concern over the continued closure of manufacturing and commercial facilities within the Dopemu industrial corridor of Lagos State following the enforcement of a warrant of possession by the Lagos State High Court Sheriff's Department on July 30, 2026, in a longstanding land dispute.
While reaffirming its unwavering respect for the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, the Association urges the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), together with the Lagos State Government, to urgently convene all relevant parties to explore a balanced interim solution that safeguards jobs, protects investments, sustains industrial activities and mitigates the growing socio-economic consequences of the closures, pending the final determination of the matter by the Courts.
Speaking on the development, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde stressed that the Association was not seeking to interfere with the judicial process but was drawing attention to the far-reaching economic implications of the prolonged closure of productive enterprises.
"We fully respect the judicial process and are not seeking to interfere with ongoing court proceedings. However, there is an equally compelling public interest in ensuring that businesses employing thousands of Nigerians are not subjected to prolonged operational paralysis while legal issues are being resolved.
The preservation of jobs, investments and productive capacity should remain a priority for all stakeholders," he stated.
Oyerinde noted that the affected corridor forms part of the Lagos-Ogun industrial axis, which accounts for more than 50 percent of Nigeria's industrial output, making the implications of the disruption a matter of national economic concern rather than an isolated commercial dispute.
He stated that:
"Every day that factories remain shut translates into lost production, reduced incomes for workers, disruption of supply chains, lower government revenues and increased uncertainty for both local and foreign investors. These consequences extend far beyond the affected companies. At a time when manufacturers are already grappling with high energy costs, foreign exchange volatility, elevated borrowing costs and weak consumer demand, prolonged operational shutdowns could further undermine Nigeria's industrial competitiveness and economic recovery," he added.
The Director-General observed that the current situation threatens the Federal Government's industrialisation agenda, particularly its commitment to promoting local manufacturing, import substitution, investment attraction and sustainable job creation.
"This is not merely about individual companies; it is about preserving Nigeria's productive capacity and reinforcing investor confidence. Investors need assurance that while legal disputes are resolved through due process, legitimate businesses will not be exposed to avoidable economic dislocation capable of eroding years of investment and threatening thousands of livelihoods."
The Association, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to facilitate an equitable interim arrangement that would allow legitimate business operations to continue, where appropriate, pending the final determination of the matter by the courts.
"Our appeal is straightforward. We urge government at both levels 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. Nigeria cannot afford to lose productive enterprises and livelihoods when pragmatic interim measures can preserve economic stability without prejudicing the judicial process," Oyerinde concluded.
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