Jobberman, experts task businesses on growth amid uncertainty
Jobberman in collaboration with industry and economic experts have advised business executives to adopt high agency, strategic adaptability, and proactive planning to navigate the economic uncertainties of 2025.
Speaking at the Jobberman Business Breakfast for C-Suite Executives in Lagos on Thursday, they outlined actionable strategies for sustainability and growth amid evolving challenges.
Managing Director of Jobberman Nigeria, Ore Boboye, empathised with business owners’ struggles, describing 2024 as a year of economic turbulence and urging the Federal Government to enforce reforms that create a more business-friendly environment.
“I am aware that the government has a lot of ongoing reforms and policies, and one thing that comes with change is the teething and adjustment period, which is what businesses are facing,” Boboye said.
He called for stronger policy implementation and awareness to bridge the gap between the government and businesses.
Head of People and Culture at Jobberman Nigeria, Samantha Ifezulike, stressed that companies must invest in workforce well-being and retention to drive long-term profitability, noting, “It is important to provide some level of stability via medical benefits, after-work activities, and external learning to drive the future of the business.”
Similarly, the Director-General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Adewale Oyerinde, represented by NECA’s Director of Social, Economic, and Labour Affairs, Adenike Ajala, on a panel highlighted the need for balance between economic growth and workers’ welfare.
“While these reforms aim to create a fairer and more structured labour market, their success will largely depend on effective implementation, enforcement, and collaboration between the government, employers, and labour unions,” Ajala remarked.
Other speakers in the panel, including the Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, pointed out that businesses must embrace technological disruptions and evolving consumer preferences to remain competitive.
“We are at a time when customer-centricity is no longer an option; it is everything,” Saint-Nwafor quipped.
She urged organisations to leverage emerging technologies and form strategic partnerships to expand market dominance.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of UAC Foods, Oluyemi Oloyede, advised businesses to anticipate inflation and currency devaluation while designing their models.
Oloyede stressed that “the business environment will forever be challenging, and profitability is the reward for the risks and challenges organisations take.”
Further, Tax Partner at Deloitte Nigeria, Funke Oladoke, warned businesses to stay informed about Finance Acts and tax reforms, stressing the need for scenario planning, while the Group Managing Director of Celtron Group, Adedapo Adelegan, urged organisations to create vertical or horizontal business curves to preempt government policy changes and disruptions.
Adelegan also called for a stronger “Buy Nigeria” approach to drive economic growth.
The experts unanimously agreed that businesses must adopt high agency, leverage data, and continuously innovate to remain profitable amid uncertainties in 2025.
