By Godwin Oritse

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, have been commended by the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) for their efforts in improving career progression and staff welfare.

In a letter signed by SSASCGOC President, Comrade Akinola Bodunde, the unions commended Minister Oyetola for facilitating the approval that enabled the Dantsoho-led NPA management to address longstanding employee stagnation by organizing a comprehensive promotion examination. The unions described this initiative as a significant achievement for their members.

Comrade Bodunde stated, “We specifically appreciate the increase in productivity bonuses, provision of end-of-year welfare packages for staff, and the revision of the Financial Guide to the Condition of Service, which now addresses our members’ concerns about inflationary pressures.”

He further assured the NPA management of the unions’ commitment to enhanced productivity, especially in meeting the Key Performance Indicators outlined in the Presidential and Ministerial Performance Bond.

In his response, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho attributed the timely resolution of these issues to the unwavering support of Minister Oyetola and the collaborative efforts of the NPA’s Executive Management Team.

Dantsoho also extended special commendation to the President-General of MWUN and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, for his role in maintaining industrial harmony. He reassured workers of continued improvements in welfare, emphasizing that increased productivity from the workforce is yielding positive outcomes for the national economy.

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reported a trade surplus for the second and third quarters of 2023, attributed to enhanced export activities facilitated by the Nigerian Ports Authority.