NSC Head Urges Staff on NSITF Insurance Awareness

Leadership and Insurance Initiatives at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has taken significant steps to ensure the well-being of its staff and the continuity of leadership within the organization. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to institutional resilience and long-term success.

During a recent courtesy visit by officials from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), the Executive Secretary and CEO of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, emphasized the importance of sensitizing staff on the insurance scheme proposed by the NSITF. This call for awareness was made during a meeting held at the NSC headquarters in Lagos. Dr. Akutah, who was represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Alhaji Mustapha Zubairu, highlighted the council’s dedication to prioritizing staff insurance and health. He pointed to existing policies that have already had a positive impact on employees’ lives.

Dr. Akutah also requested that the NSITF strengthen its legal framework to ensure that the NSC can fully benefit from the insurance scheme. This move is seen as essential for providing comprehensive support to NSC staff in case of injury, disability, or death during active service.

Mr. Adegbite Oludotun, head of the NSITF team, explained that the organization offers compensation to insured government employees in such cases. He expressed appreciation for the NSC’s registration with the scheme and assured participants that adequate compensation would be provided for employee claims and safety.

Succession Planning Programme: Ensuring Leadership Continuity

In addition to the focus on staff welfare, the NSC has reaffirmed its commitment to leadership continuity through its Succession Planning Programme. The initiative, held in Lagos, aims to sustain excellence, preserve institutional memory, and ensure seamless leadership transitions within the organization.

During the event, Dr. Akutah, who was represented by the Director Strategic Planning and Research, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, emphasized the importance of succession planning for the Council’s resilience and future readiness. He noted that the programme aligns with the NSC’s vision of strengthening leadership capacity and ensuring that the organization remains resilient and capable of fulfilling its mandate as the nation’s port economic regulatory agency.

Dr. Akutah encouraged participants to take the programme seriously, engage actively, and reflect on how they can contribute to building a lasting legacy of leadership within the Council.

Key Insights from the Programme

Mr. Ahmadu Gartah, now the Director of Inland Transport Services, praised the participants for their collective energy, describing it as not just individual energy but the focused energy of a group united in purpose. He highlighted the importance of four core leadership principles: self-awareness, strategic thinking, skill development, and purposeful action.

Dr. Williams Azuh, a maritime policy analyst, shared insights on the essence of effective leadership, describing it as one that delivers results, earns the trust and understanding of those being led, and is driven by collective achievements. His remarks resonated with participants, who expressed optimism about gaining valuable insights and knowledge from the programme that would prepare them to take on higher responsibilities in advancing the Council’s mandate.

Conclusion

The NSC’s initiatives on staff insurance and leadership development demonstrate a proactive approach to organizational sustainability. By focusing on both employee welfare and leadership continuity, the council is positioning itself to meet the challenges of the future while maintaining its role as a key player in Nigeria’s maritime sector.