Get Guardian on GoogleThe Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has assured workers of management’s commitment to improving staff welfare, addressing outstanding entitlements and creating a conducive working environment to enhance productivity.
The DG gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the 4th edition of the Nigeria Union of Agricultural and Allied Employees (NUAAE), NASC Branch Staff Week, themed, “From Expectations to Action: Strengthening Staff Welfare, Morale and Productivity.”
He said management had initiated several interventions to address staff welfare concerns, including the ongoing payment of the long-outstanding 28-day allowance, construction of a staff canteen and provision of two new Coaster buses.
According to him, efforts are also ongoing to address outstanding death benefits, repatriation allowances, assistance to ailing staff and other liabilities owed to employees.
The DG said the initiatives reflected management’s determination to translate staff welfare expectations into tangible improvements, adding that a motivated workforce remained essential to the effective discharge of the council’s mandate.
He said the construction of the staff canteen was ongoing and would be handed over to the union for management upon completion.
The DG also announced the provision of two new Coaster buses to facilitate staff transportation and support the council’s operations.
He urged workers to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles, stressing that they were official assets meant to serve staff transportation needs and should not be used for private engagements.
He explained that the buses would operate on designated routes to improve accessibility for workers commuting to the office.
The DG emphasised the need for discipline, integrity, accountability, teamwork and professionalism among staff, noting that improved welfare must be matched with greater commitment to duty.
He said the effectiveness and reputation of the council depended on the collective contributions of its workforce, urging employees to take responsibility for achieving the institution’s objectives.
The DG highlighted the importance of staff capacity development, saying the council was committed to creating opportunities for professional training and improved working conditions.
He commended the union leadership for its engagement with management on staff welfare issues, while urging both parties to sustain constructive dialogue in addressing outstanding concerns.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUAAE, NASC Branch, said the union had presented several welfare demands to management, including payment of outstanding entitlements, provision of new buses, construction of a staff restaurant, improved office accommodation and increased local and international training opportunities.
He acknowledged progress in addressing some of the demands, particularly the ongoing payment of outstanding allowances and the delivery of two new Coaster buses.
The chairman also called on workers to remain disciplined, punctual and committed to their responsibilities, stressing that improved welfare and institutional productivity were mutually reinforcing.
The Staff Week featured activities aimed at promoting staff interaction, health awareness, professional development and recognition of outstanding contributions.
The event also featured the recognition of deserving staff and retiring directors for their contributions to the growth of the council.
