Government Priorities Staff Benefits in Face of Paucity of Fund

The Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Edet Akpan has prioritized settlement of outstanding allowances of his staff such as repatriation, death benefits and others in the face of paucity of funds available to him. He said: “Though there is paucity of funds, I will try and source for alternative funds from Budget Office to settle all outstanding arrears.”
Edet Akpan commended the staff and management of the Ministry for their unalloyed support, dedication and commitment to work and the level of professionalism so far displayed by various Departments and Units in the Ministry.
He further tagged the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as one of the best Ministries he has so far worked in. He specifically commended the quality of memos emanating from various Departments which he said, “are always well articulated and coordinated.”
The Permanent Secretary reiterated the commitment of the two Ministers, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah and Hajia Aisha Abubakar and himself to “ensure that the welfare of the staff is taken seriously in all ramifications, and that a lot of incentives are been put in place by the management to ensure a well-trained and mentally coordinated staff to enhance general productivity.”
While at it, the Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of communication in the Ministry, he said “I welcome creative sharing of ideas from individuals, my door is open to discuss and chat the way forward.”
The permanent secretary also apprised the staff of the concerns of the Ministers to improve staff welfare in areas of professional trainings for Accountants, IT Staff and Professionals in Trade Department in trade negotiations to enhance their technical capabilities. He also promised prompt payment of staff claims within the Office, and improved attention for the Zonal Offices.
The forum featured questions and answers session. Staff raised issues majorly on staff welfare, entitlements, working tools, appreciation of retiring officers who have served meritoriously and specifically requested that considerations be given to the children and wards of officers who are retiring when junior staff recruitments are being done.

The Chairman of Senior Staff Association, Mr. Onwuyai Okonkwo expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary for his fatherly disposition to staff of the Ministry. The Unionist said: “We have never had it so smooth and wonderful in the Ministry; we appreciate you sir.”

Josephine Ademu