By Bon Peters, Port Harcourt
The Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Onne Port Complex in Rivers State, has honoured its retirees in a ceremony marked by appreciation and renewed commitment to staff welfare, while also commending the Managing Director, Dr Abubakr Dantsoho, for his sustained support for both serving and retired personnel.
The event, held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Onne Port Complex, brought together management staff, retirees and stakeholders in what was described as a family gathering aimed at celebrating years of service and dedication to national maritime operations. The atmosphere was filled with conviviality and renewed camaraderie as retirees were warmly received and appreciated for their contributions to the growth of the port.
Speaking on the sideline of the event, the Port Manager, Onne Port Complex, Abdulrahmon Hussain, said the initiative was designed to recognise retirees who laid the foundation for the port’s development and mentored younger officers still in service. He explained that the foundation on which the port currently stands was built by the retirees, noting that they contributed immensely to its growth and development while in active service.
He further described Onne Port as a family port, stressing that retirement does not sever ties with the institution. He added that the retirees remain part of the port’s community and that the management is committed to continuously showing them care and appreciation.
Hussain noted that the retirees appeared agile, strong, happy and healthy, attributing their wellbeing to divine grace and the welfare focused leadership of the NPA management under Dantsoho. He also revealed that the initiative, which included the distribution of multivitamins and essential drugs, was the first of its kind at the port, adding that future editions would be even more impactful.
The Chief Medical Officer of Onne Port Complex, Dr Bashir Kangiwa, commended the initiative, describing it as a landmark welfare programme. He highlighted the Authority’s policy that ensures retirees and their spouses continue to have access to NPA medical facilities, with referrals to external hospitals where necessary.
Some retirees expressed appreciation to the management for remembering them after years of service. Former Chairman of the NPA Senior Staff Association, Comrade Ndudim Amos Nwaji, described the gesture as a demonstration of goodwill to individuals who served the nation for over 35 years. He urged leaders across sectors to emulate the NPA’s example in caring for senior citizens.
Similarly, former Acting Chief Electrical Engineer, Engr. Okeke Uzoechi (rtd), described the event as monumental in history. He commended the Onne Port Manager for reinforcing the “family port” identity and encouraged retirees to view retirement not as an end, but as an opportunity to explore other areas of human endeavour and remain relevant.
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