Oyo Govt Urges Private Firms to Prioritize Staff Welfare Amid Safety Drive

Oyo State Government has called on private sector companies to place greater emphasis on the welfare and safety of their employees, underlining that a healthy, secure workforce is fundamental to economic growth and societal well-being.

The call was made by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Commerce, and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, who spoke on Tuesday during the ongoing sensitization and engagement visit by the Industrial Crisis Management Team to several production companies across Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Represented by the Director of Industry, Engr. Mrs. Majeedat Olanrewaju, the Commissioner emphasized that the visit forms part of a continuous effort by the state government to engage production companies with the aim of enhancing workplace safety, safeguarding workers’ rights, and preventing industrial conflicts.

He explained that the state team’s mandate includes direct interaction with company management and union representatives to evaluate existing welfare programs, verify the adequacy of health and safety facilities, and ensure the observance of all safety standards.

Highlighting the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to fostering a robust and investor-friendly business environment, the Commissioner said, “This outreach seeks to ensure that private companies comply with employee rights and safety regulations, creating a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for business operations.”

The visiting team inspected various facilities including staff clinics, canteens, toilets, fire control systems like extinguishers and fire trucks, as well as first aid centers, to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.

Among the companies visited were NOURDM Global Company Ltd., UGEE Chemical Ltd., and Polyfilm Packaging, all based in Ibadan.

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Management representatives from the production firms expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government for establishing the Industrial Crisis Management Team, acknowledging its critical role in forestalling employer-worker conflicts and promoting harmonious industrial relations.

They also praised Governor Makinde’s leadership for creating a business-friendly climate that supports growth and prosperity within the state’s private sector.

This move builds on a broader statewide campaign launched earlier in August 2025, spearheaded by the Commissioner Adebisi and the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, aimed at continuous monitoring and improvement of industrial safety and workers’ welfare across Oyo State.

The Industrial Crisis Management Team was instituted following recommendations after a worker unrest incident in 2024 and continues to conduct regular visits and assessments to ensure sustainable industrial peace and development in the state.