By Kenneth Jukpor
The pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Kingsley Usoh has described Shippers’ Council as a research-based organization and encouraged members of staff to distinguish themselves with character and intellect.
Usoh made this call at the 25th anniversary of the NSC Senior Staff Association (NSCSSA) in Lagos, yesterday, even as he commended the rapid growth and development at NSC over the years.
While expressing delight at the level of human capital and infrastructural developments at the Council, Usoh urged members of staff to always be knowledge-driven and retain its place as think-tank agency in the maritime sector.
“NSC is a research institute and not a commercial one. If you believe in NSC, you shouldn’t believe in writing petitions to destroy those bent on achieving things. I believe the manpower in NSC is superior to those in other agencies. This is because we always trained the NSC staff to be knowledgeable and knowledge-driven. You can tell what the facts are and give the critical information to guide government and guide the industry,” he said.
Usoh also encouraged the NSC staff to work with a disposition that they have contributions to make at the Council and ensure that their contributions will be positive in a bid to take the agency to higher heights.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Hon. Emmanuel Jime who was represented by the Director, Human Resources Management, Mrs. Ada Okam, expressed satisfaction with the activities of the NSCSSA.
According to the NSC boss, the association has come a long way and made some milestone achievements which have been beneficial to the workforce and enhanced the quality of service at the agency.
Noting that the NSCSSA was initiated after her discussion with Comrade Rotimi Anifowose over two decades ago, Okam said she was delighted that the group has emerged as a significant body at the Council.
In his welcome speech, the President of NSC Senior Staff Association, Comrade Faloye Olatunji thanked all past Chief Executives of the Council for providing an enabling environment that allowed the association thrive for 25 years.
He stated that under his tenure, the association has maintained cordial industrial relationship with the Council’s management which created an ambience of tranquility for timely promotion using the three years eligibility period.
“Before now, it could span up to five years, or more before promotion exercise was conducted but since we came onboard we have received cooperation from management and promotions have been done as at when due. In the past, there was nothing like Children Education Grant, but this was negotiated and we got management approval for the yearly payment of Children Education Grant”
“The Union was also instrumental to what we enjoy today as – Exit Allowance which came into effect at the Salary Enhancement NSC secured in 2017 but became effective in January, 2018. This is enjoyed at exit point,” Olatunji said.
