Follow Us on Google
By Merit Ibe
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has said the association’s Workforce Job & Employability Fair 2026, will drive skills, jobs and inclusive growth.
The fair scheduled for May 13 to 14, 2026 at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos, is themed: “Empowering Talents, Building Skills and Driving Inclusive Growth.”
The Fair is designed to equip job seekers with interview-ready skills and prepare them for meaningful engagement with employers, while providing a strategic platform for employers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to engage on emerging digital trends, skills development, and career opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving labour market.
Director General, NECA, Mr. Adewale Small Oyerinde stated that the world of work is changing rapidly due to digitalisation and emerging technologies, noting that youth need future-ready skills, yet unemployment and skills mismatch remain major challenges.
“This Fair is NECA’s way of empowering talents, building skills, and promoting inclusive growth.”
He added that the Fair will adopt a hybrid approach. Job seekers will complete a mandatory AI Fluency course to designed to arm them with essential digital skills for the modern workplace.
“The AI fluency training will culminate in joint certification from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and Microsoft, enhancing the participants’ credibility and employability.
Other News
Furthermore, the virtual session on May 13, 2026 will focus on preparing job seekers with the skills, confidence, and knowledge required to succeed in interviews, including guidance on professional presentation, resume enhancement, and workplace expectations.
“The physical session on 14th May 2026 will provide a face-to-face platform for job seekers to meet employers, participate in on-the-spot interviews, and network with HR professionals and industry stakeholders.
The event will also feature expert panel discussions where industry leaders and human resource professionals will share practical insights on career development, employability skills, and the future of work in Nigeria.
These discussions aim to provide participants with actionable strategies to navigate the modern workplace and align their skills with industry demand.
Employers from all sectors, including SMEs, will engage participants through interviews, talent scouting, on-the-spot assessments, and career counselling sessions.”
The DG stressed that inclusivity is a key focus of this year’s edition. “We are ensuring deliberate participation of persons with special needs.
“We want everyone to have equitable access to opportunities.”
The NECA boss described the fair as a critical initiative to bridge the gap between talent supply and industry demand. He emphasized that the event underscores NECA’s commitment to reducing unemployment and equipping Nigeria’s workforce with future-ready skills.
