The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) is advocating enhanced innovation and leadership within its ranks to drive growth in the Marine and Blue Economy, a sector vital to the nation’s economic prosperity.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of 2024 Operational 3-Day Retreat for Middle Level Management officers of the council themed: “Driving the Attainment of the Potentials of the Marine and Blue Economy: The Role of Nigerian Shippers Council” in Lagos on Friday, the NSC Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Barr. Pius Akutah emphasized the crucial role of staff development in implementing effective policies and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Akutah highlighted the need for continuous professional development and merit-based advancement to ensure the agency’s continued success and contribution to Nigeria’s economic landscape. He underscored the vital role that employees play in advancing the agency’s objectives.
Addressing participants, Barr. Akutah highlighted the importance of their work in servicing top management and driving policy implementation. He acknowledged the significance of the retreat, originally planned for three months ago but delayed for good reasons.
The Executive Secretary reassured the attendees that the government is committed to providing continuous learning and growth opportunities adding that the retreat is aimed to prepare employees for future challenges and enhance their capacity to contribute effectively to the agency’s goals.
As the retreat progressed, Akutah encouraged active participation and contribution from all attendees. He stressed the importance of interactive engagement and the need to bring up any issues for clarity. He expressed his confidence in the participants’ abilities to build on the agency’s existing capacities and maintain its standards.
“Once we have settled down fully, this government will come at the right time, and every year going forward, it will be a government where knowledge is shared. You are stepping into leadership positions at various levels, so it is important for us to build your capacities as quickly as possible.
“The work you do services the top management. Top management relies on you to drive the policies that are put forward in meetings, making your role crucial and integral to moving the agency forward. The quality of the work you do will speak for you.
“Opportunities will be given to everyone. It’s not selective in terms of who you know or who you don’t know, but based on the quality of the work you can show. We are counting on you to build this agency and maintain the capacity that has been built over the years. Let this retreat leave us better than when we came here,” Akutah concluded.
Speaking earlier, NSC Director of Human Resources, Mrs Adaku Okam praised the commitment of the staff, recalling the success of the first retreat held in 2023 at the same venue. She highlighted the necessity for continuous evaluation and open dialogue to enhance the Council’s performance and visibility.
Encouraging a culture of commitment, innovation, and open communication, Mrs. Okam urged attendees to stay steadfast in their dedication. She expressed her expectation that the retreat would yield concrete, workable, and measurable recommendations to enhance the Council’s operations.
“We are here again to review what we did last week and to speak frankly about how to position ourselves and our Council for achieving greater performance and visibility. The business of the Council rests squarely on the shoulders of the middle management officers. Indeed, the Council cannot survive without these levels of officers. Always remember that as long as you serve at this level, you remain the vital blood vessels of the Council ” Okam said.
