In this interview with our correspondent, the President of the Senior Staff Association of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council , Comrade Muktar Yakubu, clarifies the status of the ongoing salary review, the role of the union, and issues surrounding staff welfare.
Q: There have been reports that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is undergoing a salary review. Can you clarify the situation?
Yakubu: First, it is important to understand that a salary review is not a bill that goes to the National Assembly. There is a laid-down government process that every agency must follow when seeking a review of its salary structure.
For agencies under a federal ministry, the request must go through the supervising ministry. In our case, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council submits its request through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The ministry then forwards it to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which consults with the Budget Office of the Federation and other relevant government agencies before making a decision.
Q: During a recent management retreat, the Executive Secretary mentioned staff welfare improvements and a proposed salary review. What is the current status?
Yakubu: Yes, that is correct. The Executive Secretary mentioned it publicly. However, ministry approval does not mean implementation can begin immediately.
The ministry’s approval only allows the process to move forward to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. We have followed that process, and the matter is currently before the Commission.
Q: What role has the staff union played in advancing the salary review process?
Yakubu: We have been working closely with management and the ministry throughout the process. We have reached the stage where the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission has reviewed our submission.
The Commission requested additional clarifications and information, which were provided. We have also been cleared by the Budget Office. At this point, we are awaiting the final approval from the Commission.
Q: Does this mean the new salary structure has not yet been implemented?
Yakubu: Implementation cannot take place without approval from the appropriate authorities. We are currently waiting for the final approval from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission before implementation can commence.
Q: What has been the Executive Secretary’s position on the salary review?
Yakubu: The Executive Secretary has been very supportive from the beginning. In fact, the process could not have started without his approval.
He approved the establishment of the Salary Committee, of which I am a member. The committee was tasked with reviewing the Council’s finances and developing a framework for a new salary structure.
After reviewing the committee’s recommendations, the Executive Secretary approved them and forwarded them to the supervising ministry, which then moved the process forward to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Q: Some staff members reportedly feel dissatisfied with current welfare packages. How are you addressing those concerns?
Yakubu: I would respectfully disagree with the suggestion that there is widespread dissatisfaction among staff.
As President of the Senior Staff Association, I am in regular contact with employees and management. While there may be individual concerns, as is the case in every organisation, it would be inaccurate to suggest that staff generally believe welfare is poor.
The reality is that no welfare package can satisfy everyone completely. Human beings will always aspire to more, regardless of what they currently receive.
Q: Should staff welfare not remain a priority, especially from the union’s perspective?
Yakubu: Absolutely. Staff welfare is one of our top priorities. As a union, our responsibility is to advocate for improved conditions for employees, and we continue to do that.
At the same time, welfare packages must be viewed within the context of an organisation’s available resources. It would be unrealistic to compare the welfare packages of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council with those of agencies operating with significantly larger budgets.
Q: How would you assess the Executive Secretary’s performance regarding staff welfare?
Yakubu: The Executive Secretary has done a commendable job. In less than three years in office, he has introduced several welfare initiatives for staff and has demonstrated a clear commitment to improving working conditions.
The fact that he publicly announced the salary review initiative and continues to support the process shows his commitment to staff welfare.
Q: Some critics argue that staff welfare should be addressed internally before celebrating external achievements. What is your response?
Yakubu: I believe both objectives can be pursued simultaneously. The Council has made significant progress in advancing its mandate within the maritime sector while also working to improve staff welfare.
Staff welfare is not a one-time event; it is a continuous process. Management has already implemented several initiatives and remains committed to introducing additional measures as resources and approvals permit.
Q: Can you share details of the welfare packages already provided?
Yakubu: Some of those details are internal organisational matters, and it would not be appropriate to discuss them publicly.
However, I can say that staff have benefited from various welfare initiatives, and management remains committed to introducing more.
Q: What message would you like to send to staff regarding the ongoing salary review?
Yakubu: My message is simple: the process is progressing according to established government procedures.
The salary review has moved through the necessary stages, including ministry approval and engagement with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. We are now awaiting the final approval required for implementation.
Staff should understand that this is a government process, and due process must be followed. Management and the union remain committed to seeing it through successfully.
Q: Finally, are there plans for additional staff welfare improvements in the future?
Yakubu: Certainly. Welfare improvement is an ongoing commitment. The management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council understands the importance of staff motivation and productivity.
As a union, we will continue to advocate for more improvements, and management has shown a willingness to continue enhancing staff welfare.
I am confident that, in the near future, staff will have even more reasons to be encouraged by the additional welfare initiatives that are being planned and pursued.
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