The Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, has urged organisations to prioritise employee wellbeing, saying workers remain their most valuable assets.

Mr Oluyomi, represented by the permanent secretary, Muyiwa Adetola, spoke on Wednesday at the 2026 Annual Employee Assistance Programme Summit in Lagos.

He said the theme, ‘Employee Wellness: Our Employees Are Our Greatest Assets,’ reinforced the need for deliberate investment in workforce wellbeing.

“If we describe our employees as our greatest assets, the real question is whether our institutions truly reflect that belief,” he said.

According to him, employee wellness means creating environments where workers can thrive, perform effectively and contribute meaningfully to organisational success.

The commissioner said policies, programmes and services ultimately depended on competent, committed and motivated employees for successful implementation.

“In the public sector, policies do not execute themselves. Every service delivered depends on men and women whose dedication determines effectiveness,” he said.

Mr Oluyomi said the summit offered an important platform for translating the principle of valuing employees into practical workplace actions.

Earlier, the summit convener, Adelowo Adesina, said successful organisations were built on employees’ commitment, creativity, resilience and wellbeing.

He said workers who flourished physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and financially helped strengthen organisations, families and the nation.

“The theme is not merely a conference slogan but a timeless truth and a compelling call to action,” Mr Adesina said.

He described the summit as a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships and developing healthier, happier and more productive workplaces.

Also speaking, Olaniyi Yusuf, chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, identified eight dimensions of wellness essential for employee wellbeing and organisational growth.

He listed them as social, financial, physical, spiritual, environmental, emotional, intellectual and occupational wellness.

Mr Yusuf said workplace conditions, organisational culture and individual circumstances significantly influenced employee wellbeing and productivity.

He warned that neglecting employee wellness could increase absenteeism and staff turnover while reducing productivity and service quality.

Similarly, Leye Kupoluyi, president, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said organisations must treat employees as investments rather than liabilities.

“When your workforce is unwell, the entire organisation is unwell. If employees are happy, the organisation performs better,” Mr Kupoluyi said.

 (NAN)