NPA Senior Staff Advocates Quick Turnaround Time for Ships

By ZION Olalekan

The Senior Staff Association Of Statutory Corporation and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), Maritime Branch has called on the federal government and the Hadiza Bala Usman management team of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to expedite actions in fixing the ports corridor as part of efforts to achieve quick turnaround time of vessels.

President of SSASCGOC Maritime branch, Comrade Adamu Ya’u Gora made the plea on Saturday, during the union’s 40Years anniversary in Lagos.

Ya’u, who is the 14th President of the union, noted that in achieving quick turnaround of cargoes and ships, management of the port authority needs to expedite actions to fix all roads linking the seaports.

“On this great day of celebration marking four decades of the existence of our great association; I humbly appeal to both the federal government and management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, on the following.

” Achieving quick delivery of cargoes and improved turnaround time of vessels had long been in the front burner of NPA management.

“At this juncture, it is my plea that all roads leading to the nation’s seaports must be urgently rehabilitated to achieve this goal.

” The attainment of status will consequently improve the earnings and revenue of the NPA.

Speaking on workers welfare package, the union’s President stressed the need for continuous improved benefits for staff of the agency.

“At this point, my plea is that the serving management team should continue to improve and better the life of NPA workers by improving their welfare.

While highlighting some of the achievements recorded between 2008 and 2018, Ya’u maintained that the union initiated and reorganised the training retirees from association purse.

He added that the union also reinstated twelve erroneously disengaged NPA officers in 2008 as a result of monetisation policy with arrears paid.

The President also stated that union was involved in the out of court settlement and payment made to disengaged NPA workers of terminal benefits in 2008.

According to him, during the period, the union was also recognised by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and subsequently affiliated to it.

” Today the association is a full member of ITF and as well contact body within the Sub-West African region for ITF.

Also speaking at the event ,Managing Director, NPA,Hadiza Bala Usman said management of the agency has demonstrated in so many ways that the welfare of workers is of topmost priority.

She said management has not relented in its efforts to promote the welfare of workers in the areas of continuous training, promotion and payment of salaries as when due.

“May I therefore enjoin you to reciprocate management’s gesture by doubling your efforts towards improved productivity, revenue generation and collection drive, integrity, honesty and transparency at workplace”.

The MD who was represented by the General Manager, Human Resources, NPA, stated that the agency appreciates the contribution of the union in the smooth operations at the seaports, noting that the industrial peace and harmony that pervades the nation’s maritime industry was a product of the association’s commitment to the vision and mission of the authority.