Alhaji Umar Yusuf-Girei, Acting Managing Director (MD)/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has said staff welfare and safety at work remains the Priority of the authority toward improved productivity and results.
A statement signed by Suleiman Makama, NIWA’s AGM, Corporate Affairs, said that the Ag. MD made the assertion while addressing workers in celebration of the World Safety Day at the Authority’s conference Hall on Tuesday in Lokoja, kogi.
Yusuf-Girei, in his paper titled: “Good Psycho- Social Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organization,” said that prioritising staff safety was deliberately meant to Improve their working environment.
“The management of NIWA has deliberately embarked on the provision of new offices and rehabilitation of old ones at the headquarters aa well as selected area offices.
“We have provided a well equipped staff clinic and ensured access to potable water and proper sanitation at the headquarters, Lokoja and some selected Area offices”.
“Again, through partnership with relevant sister agencies such as the Federal University Teaching Hospital Lokoja, periodic mental health talks are being organised to the benefit of the staff, ” he disclosed.
He said the authority has also implemented flexible work arrangements for nursing mothers in line with the existing circular from the office of the Head of service.
According to him, all categories of staff have enjoyed trainings in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and work place stress management in Turkey and Ruwanda.
Nevertheless, this years event had in attendance key stakeholders, including the Representatives of the Nigerian Navy (NNS) Lugard, Hydroelectric power producing Areas Development Commission ( HYPPADEC), and the Kogi State Ministry of Transportation.
Others are the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Standards ( NESREA) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps).
