The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing the welfare of industrial workers as part of its commitment to sustaining an industry-friendly environment across the state.
The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adebisi Adeniyi, made this known during a sensitisation visit to the Nigerian Breweries and the Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-Cola) on Tuesday.
According to him, the sensitisation visit is a routine exercise of the Industrial Crisis Management Committee established by the state governor, Seyi Makinde, to ensure workers’ welfare.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Industry, Majeedat Olanrewaju, led a delegation of the committee to both organisations.
The Commissioner explained that Governor Makinde has charged the committee to ensure a good rapport between employers and their staff in companies operating in Oyo State.
He said, ‘This committee is interested in ensuring that many of the disparities in welfare conditions of permanent and contract staff are bridged in order to ensure a worker-friendly and productive working environment in the state.’
While addressing the management team and the leaders of the labour unions at both organisations, the Commissioner identified welfare and safety concerns and maintenance of peace as the core interests of the committee.
He, therefore, charged the management team at NBC to expand the restaurant facility to ensure a healthier and hygienic dining environment.
During a facility tour at the Nigerian Breweries, the Brewery Manager, Seun Akinwale, as well as the Corporate Affairs Manager, West and Midwest, Danjuma John-Ekele, stated that the company consider the safety and welfare of workers as the biggest subject while ensuring adequate remuneration, welfare packages to both the permanent and outsourced workforce.
The Union Chairmen at Nigerian Breweries, Comrade Festus Olubiyo and Comrade Lanbe Lukman of the NBC, both applauded the smooth working relationship existing between their members and the organisations.
Highlights of the visit include the inspection of the restaurants, changing rooms, some production lines and some restrooms sections of the business environment.
In their separate responses, the Corporate Affairs Manager, Mrs Ifeoma Okoye and the Plant Manager at NBC, Mr Andrew Barnabas, expressed NBC’s readiness to work with the government and comply with government policies to enhance trade and workers’ welfare.