The Postmaster-General (PMG) of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Ms Tola Odeyemi, has emphasised the need for sustained industrial harmony between management and staff to enhance service delivery in the organisation.
Odeyemi made the call at the 3rd Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), NIPOST branch, held on Friday in Lafia.
Represented by Barr. Samuel Sangotayo, the PMG said that collaboration between management and the union remained critical to repositioning NIPOST in line with global best practices.
She noted that the cooperation of the union would facilitate the onboarding of new digital products aimed at enabling the organisation compete effectively with leading logistics companies worldwide.
According to her, management is committed to improving staff welfare, provided there is a corresponding commitment from workers to maintain industrial peace and support ongoing reforms.
Odeyemi added that building a competitive postal network required a workforce that is physically fit, mentally agile and adequately protected to meet emerging demands in the sector.
She also encouraged staff to prioritise their health, describing it as the most valuable welfare package for improved productivity and service delivery.
Declaring the conference open, Barr. Abigail Way, the Head of Service, Nasarawa State, commended the union for choosing Lafia as host city for the conference.
Waya said that Lafia had increasingly become a preferred destination for conferences and official engagements due to the developmental strides recorded in the state.
She attributed the progress to the leadership of Gov. Abdullahi Sule, noting that the administration had continued to attract attention through impactful governance.
The head of service recalled the pivotal role NIPOST played in connecting Nigerians in the past and lauded the organisation’s resilience in adapting to changing times.
She urged the organisation not to relent in reinventing itself, warning that its decline would have far-reaching implications for Nigerians who depend on its services.
In his remarks, the President-General of SSASCGOC, Mr Kayode Alakija, represented by Mr Aminu Suleiman, commended the NIPOST branch for maintaining a strong working relationship with the parent union.
Alakija described the conference theme, “Trade Unionism as a Catalyst for Productivity in NIPOST,” as timely, noting that unionism should promote innovation, efficiency and service excellence.
He charged delegates to uphold unity, prioritise capacity building and staff welfare, and strengthen collaboration with management to ensure successful reforms in the organisation.
Earlier, Mr Isiaka Elayo, the President of SSASCGOC, NIPOST branch, said the quadrennial delegates’ conference serves as a platform to review past activities, address challenges from across states, propose solutions to management, and elect new leadership.
He expressed optimism about NIPOST’s future, dismissing claims of decline and commending the new Postmaster General for introducing IT-driven reforms that are improving operations.
He said that the union is committed to supporting the postmaster general’s efforts to transform the organisation.
He highlighted the union’s achievements, including improved staff representation, timely promotion processes, progress in reviewing service conditions, and protection of jobs by resisting outsourcing.
He urged unity and constructive engagement among delegates, stressing that collaboration between union and management is key to enhancing productivity, staff welfare, and service delivery, while calling for collective efforts to build a more efficient and customer-focused NIPOST. (NAN)