The Federal Government has approved an increase in salary for the staff of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Speaking at NPA’s long service and merit award ceremony on Saturday in Lagos, Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, said he agreed to a request by Mohammad Bello-Koko, Managing Director of NPA to “fast-track the processes and procedures for the implementation of salary increase” of staff.
The Minister congratulated awardees and the entire workers of the NPA for their teamwork and contributions to the successes being recorded.
He said “Let me pledge to you all that the Ministry under my watch will continue to provide unflinching support for all initiatives of the Authority’s management geared towards the promotion of staff welfare.
“As someone that loves to identify with human virtues, I was highly elated when I received the invitation from the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority to be part of this noble effort.
“Today, we celebrate employees who have dedicated twenty years of their lives to the service of Nigeria through the Authority for twenty years and those in the merit category who have accomplished exceptional feats through uncommon dutifulness,” he said.
Sambo recalled that he had during his maiden visit to NPA, he commended the Managing Director for his performance and was glad that he had not relented in his efforts, especially in the aspect of staff welfare.
“In my maiden visit to the Authority upon appointment as Minister of Transportation, whilst, I had commended the Managing Director for the unprecedented performance in revenue generation and remittance.
“He had solicited my backing and support to fast track the processes and procedures necessary for the implementation of staff salary increase which I immediately acceded to, and today I am delighted it has been achieved,” he said.
He added that the celebration demonstrates that the Managing Director and his team understand that organizations that want to create and sustain superior performance must put people first. Present also at the event were:
In his presentation, Bello-Koko thanked the Federal Government for its support towards ensuring the increment of staff salaries.
“We would like to use this opportunity to appreciate everyone here for their support towards the delivery of a salary increase for our dedicated staff.”
He explained that equipping the human capital resource to be the best has been one of the overriding objectives of the management.
“Our drive towards ensuring 100 percent occupational health and safety for our staff has resulted in the International Organisation for Standardisation’s (ISO) certification of Calabar and Onne ports, and we are not relenting on it,” Bello-Koko added.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, the Lagos State Governor, represented by the Lagos State commissioner of Transport, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, the Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, the Minister of State, Health, Hon. Ekumankama Joseph Nkama, Honourable Minister of State, Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye among others, attended the event.
The high point of the event was the Presentation of awards to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the SGF, and the Award of Recognition for Quality Maritime Leadership to the honourable Minister of Transportation.
According to Sambo, open commendation of dedicated workers has a vast bearing on organizational growth. Sambo also commended the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority for its commitment to staff welfare.
He said “Indeed, open commendation of dedicated workers on an elaborate occasion such as this has a vast bearing on organizational growth as it boosts employees’ morale and motivates them to do more. “I would like to commend the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority for its commitment to staff welfare and the organizers for putting together this event. Thank you,” he said.
Sambo while appreciating the awardees said that their contributions to service are signs that they are passionate and dedicated to the progress of NPA.
“Dear awardees, your contributions are nothing less than a mark of passion, perseverance and dedication. “We are very proud to have such loyal and committed people representing the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and by extension the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We value your hard work, extensive knowledge and invaluable experience. You are all important members of our team and your abilities and contributions are of paramount importance for our continued success.”They say that the knowledge that one has is a profit, the more knowledge means more profit. The collective knowledge from all you have acquired over the years makes NPA a highly profitable and enviable organization.
“It is certain that the journey has not always been smooth sailing and that you have encountered challenges along the way. Yet, you persevered and remained because of your passion and love for what you do.
“Your presence this evening is therefore a true testament that with determination, endurance, discipline and the right attitude, you have been able to push through and overcome the hurdles.
“As we honour your service milestone this evening, we hope that this serves as an inspiration to your other colleagues and those who will join the Nigerian Ports Authority in the future. Congratulations to you all.”
