By Kenneth Jukpor
The pioneer Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Kingsley Usoh shared insights on the humble beginnings of NSC as the Council’s Senior Staff Association marked its silver jubilee in Lagos, last week.
Usoh, who was a guest at the event, recalled that at the maiden years of the Council its budgetary provision was N1million while other sister agencies got over N100million annually.
His words: “Federal Government kept us on one line vote of N1million per year when started but the big boys like NPA, NRC were on over N100million. We opened letters carefully not to destroy them in order to reuse them. At a time we couldn’t pay salaries for nearly six months but we continued moving.’
“We started by cutting off paying rent and looking for our building. We understood that if we believed in ourselves and worked towards achieving that goal; we would get results. We trained manpower to ensure that we had the best workers in the industry.”
Meanwhile, he described Shippers’ Council as a research-based organization and encouraged members of staff to distinguish themselves with character and intellect; even as he commended the rapid growth and development of 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.
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 on board 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 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.
