FOBTOB Urges FG to Collaborate with Stakeholders for Industry Stability Amidst Economic Challenges
The Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) has appealed to the federal government to actively collaborate with industry stakeholders and ensure their involvement in shaping policy decisions that impact the sector.
The National President of FOBTOB, Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, disclosed this recently at the 15th National Delegate Conference held in Asaba, Delta State, with the theme, “Rescuing the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Industry from the Danger of Collapse: Role and Expectations of Stakeholders.
He emphasised the theme’s heightened importance due to recent developments within the country, specifically focusing on facilitating business operations.
Looking back on events since the last National Delegate Conference in 2021, he mentioned the economic and political unrest, such as the naira redesign, election uncertainties, sudden fuel subsidy removal, and fluctuations.
He also condemned the frequent collapses of the national grid and widespread corruption, noting that billions of naira are being misappropriated with minimal consequences for those responsible.
“The idea that the increase would affect only a section of the populace is flawed because we know the spiralling and domino effects such increases have on the purchasing power of the people.
“With increased electricity bills, Nigerians will be forced to make difficult decisions about other essential expenses, such as food, transportation, and medical care. This will negatively impact their standard of living and overall quality of life.
“It is crucial that the government considers the concerns of its citizens and ensures that its policies do not disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society,” he added.
The conference in session highlighted a significant issue: the alarming rise in the number of expatriates in the food, beverage, and tobacco sectors. There was a consensus that the association needs to partner with appropriate government bodies to ensure that job opportunities intended for local workers are protected.
