The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has announced plans to host the NECA Workforce Job and Employability Fair 2026 as part of efforts to promote skills development, job creation, and inclusive growth.
The fair is scheduled to take place from May 13 to May 14, 2026, at NECA House, with the opening day to be conducted virtually.
The event, themed “Empowering Talents, Building Skills and Driving Inclusive Growth,” aims to equip job seekers with interview-ready skills and prepare them for meaningful engagement with employers. It will also provide a platform for industry leaders to discuss emerging digital trends and career opportunities.
Speaking from Geneva, the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale Oyerinde, said the world of work is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digitalisation and emerging technologies.
Oyerinde said the shift has made it imperative for young people to acquire future-ready skills to remain competitive in the labour market.
He added that unemployment and skills mismatch remain major challenges in Nigeria, noting that the job fair forms part of NECA’s efforts to equip young people with relevant skills and improve their employability.
According to him, the event will adopt a hybrid format, and participants will be required to complete a mandatory Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fluency course designed to equip them with essential digital skills for the modern workplace.
Oyerinde said the AI training will culminate in a joint certification issued by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and Microsoft.
He noted that the certification is expected to strengthen participants’ credibility and enhance their employment prospects.
The virtual session scheduled for May 13 will focus on preparing job seekers with the skills and confidence required to succeed in interviews, including guidance on professional presentation, résumé development, and workplace expectations.
The physical session on May 14 will provide job seekers with the opportunity to meet employers directly, participate in on-the-spot interviews, and network with human resources professionals and industry stakeholders.
NECA stated that the discussions are designed to equip participants with practical strategies to navigate the modern workplace and align their skills with industry demand.
Oyerinde added that inclusivity will be a key focus of the 2026 edition of the fair, noting that the association is encouraging the participation of persons with special needs to ensure equitable access to employment opportunities.
