The president of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (FOBTOB), Comrade Jimoh Oyibo has called on the federal government to create a more conducive atmosphere for manufacturing firms to work.
In a chat with LEADERSHIP, Oyibo described the harsh business environment confronting employers and employees in the Real sector as reason for his call.
Speaking before the celebration of 2025 Workers Day, May Day, the FOBTOB helmsman stated that Nigerian workers have been working under intense pressure due to the economic climate.
“As we convene in solidarity, we do so not merely to commemorate the historic struggles of workers globally but to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and equity in the workplace.
“This year’s May Day celebration came in amidst a particularly challenging national landscape. The Nigerian economy has continued to grapple with persistent inflation, currency instability, diminishing purchasing power, and widespread socio-economic uncertainty. These conditions have imposed significant hardships on workers and their families, particularly those within our sector who are critical to our nation’s productivity.”
According to him, “In times of adversity, the voices of the marginalized tend to be stifled. The responsibility behooves the workers to use the occasion to actively reclaim our civic space, ensuring that every worker’s voice echoes within the corridors of power.
We must demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, advocating for policies that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the working class. Through our collective action, we can cultivate an environment where dialogue and dissent are not only a permitted norm but celebrated as foundational elements of a thriving democratic society.
“Moreover, reclaiming our civic space necessitates an unwavering commitment to championing the rights of all workers, particularly in sectors where inequalities are most glaring.”
On how he views the current workplace in Nigeria, Oyibo stated that he must express his solidarity, not only to the teeming members but also to those in precarious employment facing heightened struggles.
“This is a wake-up call to advocate vigorously for policies which engender job security, fair wages, and humane working conditions for all. By uniting our efforts, we can dismantle barriers and construct a civic space where every worker, regardless of their position or sector, feels valued and empowered. Let us reinforce our dedication to a just and equitable society,” he stated.
On his take on workers’ take home package based on the dwindling economic fortune confronting citizens, he said, ‘in facing these adversities, the courage, resilience, and collective spirit demonstrated by FOBTOB members across the nation have been nothing short of extraordinary. They have exhibited remarkable tenacity in upholding the principles of decent work, equitable remuneration, and safe workplaces, even amid dwindling margins, escalating operational pressures, and policy inconsistency.
“Their steadfastness amidst such challenges speaks volumes of their commitment to their chosen profession, the union, companies and the country.”
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