Dantsoho prioritizes human capital development as NPA promotes 1,500 staff
Lagos, Nigeria – June 19, 2025
In a major boost to staff morale and industrial harmony, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has promoted over 1,500 employees, signaling a decisive move to end more than a decade-long promotion stagnation within the agency.
Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this while receiving a joint commendation from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC).
Dr. Dantsoho emphasized that human capital development remains central to his administration’s strategy for achieving operational excellence and enhancing port competitiveness.
“Talent development is a critical success factor for the realization of the bold and ambitious goals we have set for ourselves—particularly in making Nigerian ports globally competitive,” he said.
“The only way to exceed stakeholder expectations is by deepening the competencies of our workforce while boosting staff morale.”
He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, for approving the strategic proposal by the NPA management that resolved the long-standing issue.
“I must specially thank our Honourable Minister for graciously endorsing the multi-pronged approach that enabled us to clear all outstanding promotion cases in one sweep. We have also institutionalized timelines to prevent a recurrence of this unfortunate situation,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Comrade Akin Bodunde, President of SSASCGOC, lauded the NPA management for what he described as a holistic approach to staff welfare.
“In addition to addressing promotion stagnation, we commend the management for increasing productivity bonuses, providing end-of-year welfare packages, and revising the Financial Guide to the Conditions of Service—particularly in light of inflationary challenges,” Bodunde said.
According to a statement issued by NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, Dr. Dantsoho reiterated that the authority’s ongoing port infrastructure modernization programme will be executed alongside continuous improvements in staff welfare and capacity building.
“This alignment ensures that both our operational assets and human resources are optimized to meet the dynamic demands of the maritime industry,” the statement concluded.
