The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has appealed to the Federal Government to encourage dialogue and engagement to resolve issues in a friendly and peaceful manner within the provisions of the law when dealing with businesses.
The Pro-business group made the call in Lagos on Tuesday following the recent sealing of the premises of Nestlé Nigeria Plc by officials of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) has agreed to reopen the corporate headquarters of Nestle Nigeria Plc following an agreement reached with the food and beverage firm to pay a disputed N65m lottery commission stemming from lottery promos the company held between 2012 and 2014.
According to the NLRC, the company’s office was sealed for violating the National Lottery Act, 2005 and National Lottery Regulations, 2007. The NLRC, which is an agency of the Federal Government, regulates sales promo operated by companies.
Nigerian Breweries Plc said on Wednesday it has always ensured that it complies with all legitimate demands of government agencies which are in accordance with the rule of law and has never sought to or seek to deprive government of its legitimate revenue.
The brewing company spoke through a statement released by its Head of Government Relations, Vivian Ikem, who said that Nigerian Breweries, since it was established over 70 years ago, has remained one of the highest contributors to government revenue through taxes and levies paid to various levels of government.
The Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), an umbrella union of employers in the food, beverage and tobacco sector, said it was saddened by the closure of some companies by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).
The Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has condemned the actions of the Director-General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, for what it sees as his high handedness and lack of regard for the rule of law, to close down the offices of Nigerian Breweries Plc.
