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By in Lagos.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed his commitment to human capital development as a core strategy for driving and sustaining superior performance at the agency.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the General Manager, Corporate & Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, and made available to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday.
Dr. Dantsoho made the remarks following commendation from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), who applauded his administration for resolving the long-standing issue of employee stagnation.
He emphasized that talent development is essential for achieving the ambitious targets the authority has set, particularly in enhancing port competitiveness.
“The only way we can meet — and even exceed — stakeholders’ expectations is to deepen the competencies of our human resource assets and boost their morale,” Dantsoho stated.
He commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for approving the strategic proposal by the Dantsoho-led management that addressed over a decade-long promotion freeze, which had previously caused industrial disharmony.
“I must specially appreciate our amiable minister for graciously approving the multi-pronged strategy we deployed, which cleared all outstanding cases of employee stagnation through a comprehensive promotion exercise and set timelines to prevent future recurrence,” he added.
Dr. Dantsoho further assured that the ongoing drive to modernize port infrastructure and equipment would go hand in hand with continuous improvement in staff welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the joint maritime labour unions, the President of SSASCGOC, Comrade Akinola Bodunde, lauded the NPA management not only for resolving promotion backlogs but also for enhancing staff welfare.
“In addition to clearing the backlog of stagnated promotions and increasing productivity bonuses, we also appreciate the end-of-year welfare packages provided for staff,” Bodunde said.
He added that the revision of the Financial Guide to the Conditions of Service had addressed members’ concerns about the rising cost of living and inflationary pressures.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
