Oyo Vows to Bridge Welfare Gaps Among Industrial Workers

The Oyo State Government has restated its commitment to improving the welfare of workers in industries across the state as part of efforts to promote fair labour practices and a productive work environment.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Adebisi Adeniyi, made this known during a sensitisation visit to Nigerian Breweries and the Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-Cola). The visit was part of a routine exercise by the Industrial Crisis Management Committee established by Governor Seyi Makinde to address workers’ welfare and maintain harmony between employers and employees.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the committee’s mandate is to ensure cordial relationships between companies and their workforce while addressing disparities in welfare conditions between permanent and contract staff.

Represented by the Director of Industry, Mrs. Majeedat Olanrewaju, Adeniyi said Governor Makinde had charged the committee to foster a fair and worker-friendly environment.

“This committee is focused on bridging the welfare gap between permanent and contract staff to ensure a conducive and productive working atmosphere in Oyo State,” the statement noted.

During the visit, the commissioner’s team held meetings with management and union representatives of both companies, highlighting welfare, safety, and peace maintenance as the committee’s key concerns.

At the Nigerian Bottling Company, the management was advised to expand its restaurant facility to provide a healthier and more hygienic dining space for employees.

During a tour of Nigerian Breweries’ facilities, the Brewery Manager, Seun Akinwale, and Corporate Affairs Manager (West & Midwest), Danjuma John-Ekele, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to staff welfare, safety, and fair remuneration.

Union leaders at both organisations Comrade Festus Olubiyo of Nigerian Breweries and Comrade Lanbe Lukman of the NBC commended the cordial relationship between workers and management.

The inspection also covered restaurants, changing rooms, production lines, and restroom facilities.

In their response, NBC’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Mrs. Ifeoma Okoye, and Plant Manager, Mr. Andrew Barnabas, assured the government of continued compliance with labour-friendly policies and collaboration to enhance workers’ welfare in the state.