The Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, has called on organisations to make employee wellbeing a priority, stressing that a workforce’s welfare is essential to organisational success.
Oluyomi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Muyiwa Adetola, made the call on Wednesday at the 2026 Annual Employee Assistance Programme Summit in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Employee Wellness: Our Employees Are Our Greatest Assets,” the commissioner said organisations must back their claims of valuing employees with concrete policies and programmes that support their welfare.
He explained that employee wellness involved creating workplaces where workers could remain healthy, motivated and capable of making meaningful contributions to their organisations.
According to him, the effective implementation of government policies and organisational programmes depended largely on employees who were skilled, dedicated and committed to their responsibilities.
“Policies do not execute themselves. Every service delivered depends on men and women whose dedication determines effectiveness,” he said.
Oluyomi added that the summit provided an opportunity for organisations to move beyond discussions about employee welfare and adopt practical measures that would improve working conditions.
The convener of the summit, Adelowo Adesina, said organisations could only achieve lasting success when they invested in the physical, mental, emotional, social and financial wellbeing of their employees.
He described employee wellness as more than a conference theme, saying it should serve as a continuous reminder for organisations to create healthier and more productive workplaces.
Adesina said the summit was designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, promote collaboration and develop strategies for improving workplace wellbeing.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Olaniyi Yusuf, identified eight key areas of wellness that organisations should consider. They include social, financial, physical, spiritual, environmental, emotional, intellectual and occupational wellbeing.
Yusuf noted that workplace conditions, organisational culture and personal circumstances could significantly affect employees’ wellbeing and productivity.
He warned that failure to address workers’ welfare could result in increased absenteeism and staff turnover, while also affecting productivity and the quality of services provided.
Similarly, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Leye Kupoluyi, urged organisations to view their employees as valuable investments rather than liabilities.
He said a decline in workers’ wellbeing would eventually affect the organisation, while satisfied and healthy employees were more likely to improve overall performance.