The President of the Senior Staff Association of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Comrade Muktar Yakubu, has urged staff to remain patient over the ongoing salary review at the council, saying that the process was progressing and was awaiting final approval from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
The president assured the staff that NSIWC was the last stage before implementation could begin, noting that once the process was concluded, staff would begin to benefit from the new salary structure alongside other ongoing welfare improvements within the council.
Yakubu explained that the exercise was strictly guided by the established public service procedures, stressing that salary reviews in federal agencies require multiple layers of approval before they can take effect.
According to him, NSC initiated the process through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which serves as its supervising ministry, noting that once the ministry gave its approval, the proposal was forwarded to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for further statutory consideration, in collaboration with the Budget Office of the Federation and other relevant authorities.
He emphasised that while the proposal had reached the NSIWC and necessary clarifications were provided when requested, final approval was being awaited. Yakubu stressed that no implementation can commence until the commission gives its formal consent.
Also, the president clarified that ministry approval does not translate into immediate salary adjustments, adding that the NSIWC remains the final authority responsible for approving remuneration structures in federal agencies.
Yakubu commended the Executive Secretary of the Council for initiating the process and supporting the establishment of a salary committee tasked with reviewing the council’s financial position and developing a new salary framework. He noted that the committee’s recommendations were approved internally before being forwarded through the appropriate channels.
Addressing concerns about staff welfare, the union leader said it would be inaccurate to describe the workforce as generally dissatisfied, noting that while individual concerns exist, the council continues to make efforts within its available resources to improve staff conditions.
He added that staff welfare remains a priority for the union, but must be considered within the financial realities and operational capacity of the organisation, stressing that comparisons with other agencies should take into account differences in budgetary allocations and mandates.
Yakubu further stated that management has already implemented several welfare initiatives and continues to demonstrate commitment to improving staff conditions where possible.
