The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Onne Port Complex, has honoured its retirees and provided medical support packages as part of efforts to sustain staff welfare beyond active service.
The initiative, held on Wednesday at the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State, featured the distribution of multivitamins and essential drugs to retirees, alongside a gathering that reinforced bonds between past and present personnel.
The event also drew commendation for the Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, whose leadership has been widely praised for prioritising the wellbeing of staff, including those who have exited service.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines, the Port Manager, Abdulrahmon Hussain, said the programme was designed to appreciate retirees for their years of dedication and contributions to the development of the port.
“What we are doing today is to appreciate our retirees,” he said, noting that the current workforce continues to build on the solid foundation laid by them.
According to him, the retirees played key roles in mentoring younger staff and advancing the growth of the port during their years in service.
Describing Onne as a “family port”, Hussain emphasised that retirement does not end one’s relationship with the Authority.
“We want to sincerely show them that they are still members of the family, even in retirement,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of the medical support component, describing it as both a practical and symbolic gesture.
“Apart from the multivitamins and other drugs we provided, the most important thing is the demonstration of love and care,” he stated, adding that the initiative would be sustained and improved upon in subsequent years.
Hussain also urged the retirees to prioritise their health and wellbeing, noting that their vitality reflects both personal discipline and institutional support.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Officer of the port, Dr Bashir Kangiwa, described the initiative as unprecedented and commended the Port Manager for the foresight.
He explained that under NPA policy, retirees and their spouses retain access to the Authority’s medical facilities, with provisions for referrals in cases requiring specialised care.
Some of the retirees expressed appreciation to the management for the gesture, noting that it reaffirmed their continued relevance within the organisation.
A former Chairman of the NPA Senior Staff Association, Comrade Ndudim Amos Nwaji, described the initiative as a demonstration of goodwill towards retirees who had devoted decades of service to the nation.
He called on leaders across the country to emulate the example by prioritising the welfare of senior citizens, while also commending the cordial relationship between management and retirees.
Similarly, a former Acting Chief Electrical Engineer, Engr. Okeke Uzoechi (retd.), described the event as historic and urged the management to sustain and expand the programme.
He noted that retirement should be seen as an opportunity to explore new areas of endeavour and remain productive in society.
The event underscored the Authority’s growing commitment to post-service welfare, with stakeholders expressing optimism that such initiatives would be strengthened in the years ahead.
