By Moses Ebosele, ebosele@hotmail.com —
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated its commitment to reward workers who over the years contributed positively especially in the area of optimal dedication and professionalism.
Speaking at the 2017/2018 long service/merit award ceremony in Lagos, NPA’s Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman explained that the management is determined to improve the welfare of workers.
Bala Usman said:“Management considers putting In place a well-motivated workforce with the requisite Character, competence and capacity to optimize our rich Maritime endowment towards the sustainability of the reforms we have undertaken so far.
“Without this, the sustainability of the reforms we have undertaken so far as well as the audacious goals we poised to achieve as enunciated in the 25 year development plan would remain unattainable,” said Bala Usman
In his remark, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha represented by the Hon. Minister for Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo while commending the Board and Management of the NPA for putting together the Award ceremony stated that the event goes to show the high premium the Authority places on its human resource.
According to him, the event could not have come at a better time as it falls in line with the Agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration which “prioritizes on the welfare of its workers regardless of whether they are still in service or retired’’.
He charged the Awardees to reciprocate the gesture of appreciation by the Authority as the Federal Government expects them to bear in mind the copious role the Maritime sector plays in the realization of the administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan [ERGP], hence they should put in more efforts.
The Minister of Labour and Productivity Dr Chris Ngige while applauding the Authority for aligning with the objective of the Federal Government in the area of improved welfare and appreciation for the workforce stated that the present administration would continue to invest assiduously in the welfare of the Nigerian workers. This, he stressed has been exemplified through the recent approval of the National Minimum Wage and resolution of Industrial disputes.
The Chairman, Board of Directors of the NPA, Emmanuel Adesoji Adesoye charged the awardees to further exhibit exemplary conduct and not rest on their oars.
Present at the colorful event were members of the NPA board of Directors, its Past Managing Directors and Captains of Industries within the Maritime sub sector.
The event witnessed the presentation of various categories of awards to personnels who were seen to have shown exemplary conduct and a high level of professionalism to the growth of the Authority.
Photo Caption: The MD NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman (3rd left), the Minister of Labour& Productivity, Chris Ngige (4th left), DG NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Adolphus Peterside (2nd left) and other guests at NPA Long Service & Merit Award in Lagos
