NPA Onne celebrates retirees, applauds Dantsoho’s staff welfare commitment

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigerian Ports Authority, Onne Port Complex in Rivers State, has honoured its retirees in a ceremony marked by appreciation, camaraderie and renewed commitment to staff welfare.

The event, held on April 22, 2026, at the Onne Port Complex, brought together management staff, retirees and stakeholders in what officials described as a family-oriented gathering to celebrate years of dedicated service to Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Speaking on the sidelines, the Port Manager, Abdulrahmon Hussain, said the initiative was designed to recognise the invaluable contributions of retirees who laid the foundation for the port’s growth and mentored younger officers.

“The foundation upon which this port stands today was built by these men and women. Their contributions to its development while in active service remain significant,” he said.

Hussain described Onne Port as a “family port,” stressing that retirement does not sever the bond between the Authority and its workforce.

“They remain part of us. Retirement is not the end of the relationship, and we will continue to show them care and appreciation,” he added.

He further noted that the retirees appeared healthy and vibrant, attributing their wellbeing to divine grace and the welfare-focused leadership of the NPA under its Managing Director, Abubakr Dantsoho.

Hussain revealed that the programme, which featured the distribution of multivitamins and essential drugs, was the first of its kind at the port, assuring that subsequent editions would be expanded to deliver greater impact.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Officer of Onne Port Complex, Bashir Kangiwa, described the initiative as a landmark welfare programme. He highlighted the Authority’s policy that allows retirees and their spouses continued access to NPA medical facilities, with referrals to external hospitals when necessary.

Retirees at the event expressed gratitude to the management for the recognition.

Former Chairman of the NPA Senior Staff Association, Ndudim Amos Nwaji, described the gesture as a commendable show of goodwill towards individuals who dedicated over three decades of service to the nation. He urged other organisations to emulate the NPA’s example in caring for retired personnel.

Similarly, former Acting Chief Electrical Engineer, Okeke Uzoechi, described the event as historic, commending the management for reinforcing the “family port” culture.

He encouraged fellow retirees to see retirement as an opportunity to explore new ventures and remain active contributors to society.

The event underscored the NPA’s commitment to sustaining a supportive work culture that values both serving and retired personnel, while strengthening institutional continuity within Nigeria’s port system.