The Luxurious and exceptionally elegant hospitality edifice, noticed from afar for its magnifying architectural designs, “The Wells Carlton Luxury Hotels and Apartments” may have allegedly layoff about 200members of its staff, as a result of the operational challenges it seems to be facing from the threats created by the recent novel coronavirus pandemic.
The management decision according to an inside report was in view of the low patronage which has led to low financial returns on the Apartments’ investments, as well as the high cost of the facility maintenance, which is practically higher than the generated profit. However, the entire reasons behind the layoffs were premised on the lockdown directives in the FCT by Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).
However, the layoff made by Wells Carlton Luxury Hotels and Apartments seems to be against the directive of the Federal Government which had earlier mandated employers to obtain FG clearance before any form of workers layoff. The directives also noted that FG was already in talks with employers, with critical considerations on labour standards as benchmarks for social and employment protections at this time of vulnerabilities. The minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige buttressed on this directive on May 1st, commemorating the Workers Day Celebration.
This policy was one amongst many other reasons that made Access Bank deny ever laying any of its workers, as provisions were already being made by the Presidential Economic Sustainability Council on job protection and eventual job creation. This may also be a legal premise upon which the layoff Members of staff of the Wells Carlton hotels could cry-out injustice, as they had been sacked without any dialogue.
The 4star luxury hospitality facility, which has hosted distinguished national and international personalities, headline celebrities, Diplomats, notable public figures and high profile individuals in Nigeria and across the world, had on its payroll several efficient professionals in the hospitality sector. Their professional capacity amongst other creativities was amongst the foundational elements that got the Apartments through successful progressions until the sudden outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
Regardless of the alleged 98% staff layoffs, Wells Carlton apartment prior to the novel coronavirus outbreak made a reshuffle of its management team, which was in view of enhancing efficiency, so as to resolve any form of alleged financial misappropriation.
The Wells Carlton Hotel and Luxury Apartments, despite its ongoing in-house challenges, did also receive an award at the 2019 Nigeria Entrepreneur Awards, which was held in Lagos recently. The luxury edifice stands out amongst several hospitality facilities in Nigeria and Africa, with a magnificent hillside view, with over 55 elegant bespoke rooms and Deluxe Suites, a Conference Centre ideal for private meetings and corporate events, a Roof-Top Terrace that offers a transcendent view of the Federal Capital Territory, allowing guests an elevated experience and a secluded ambience of serenity.
The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartment is owned by Billionaire Business Man, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, amongst other multi-million naira business ventures.
Olalekan Ajimoti – Blogger, Content Writer, and Digital Marketer helping brands and retailers build 8-figure e-commerce since 2016.
As a corporate trainer, brand communications expert, and brand consultant, I help people start, stay and grow in business leveraging digital skills and traditional expertise.
