By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Shuaib Belgore has assured the staff of the ministry of improved welfare, and called for additional commitment to deliver the Presidential priorities and ministerial mandates of providing affordable housing for Nigerians
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Director, Press and Public Relations , Badamasi S Haiba.
Dr Belgore spoke during his interactive meeting with the staff of the ministry, saying the purpose of the meeting was to understand the concerns of staff and address them accordingly.
“ I am a workaholic, but I am encouraged because everyone here wants to work. The problem is job satisfaction and happiness at work. I assure you I will do everything to make your work and life easier,” he stated.
On transportation difficulties, Dr. Belgore told the staff of the plan by the Ministry to procure new buses, and in the interim directed the Director of Human Resources Management to move two buses from the Lagos field office to the headquarters in Abuja to augment the existing fleet.
“I have looked into the bus issue and I know the buses have run down. That is why new buses are being added to the fleet. I am hopeful these will bring some respite,” he said.
On sports matters, he announced that funds had been sourced and released to enable the Ministry’s participation in the ongoing sports tournament in Adamawa state.
Regarding working tools, Dr. Belgore revealed that the procurement process for computers, laptops, desktops, printers, and scanners has commenced, emphasizing that with the right tools, staff can perform optimally from any location.
Accordingly, he disclosed that the ministry’s manpower challenge would soon be addressed, as the ministry is working to secure final approaval for recruitment of new officers to boost the Ministry’s workforce, which has significantly reduced due to the progressive retirement of staff from the Federal Civil Service.
” Upon assumtion of duty, i observed a drastic reduction in staff strength, necessitating the recruitment of new personnel. We have written to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the President, for special approval for recruitment due to our peculiar operational structure” he explained
According to him, the ministry has a peculiar problem “because our field offices all over the country need staff to work there”
Sharing insights into his work ethics, he noted that the commitment and positive attitude of staff motivate him to work harder, stressing that the major gaps are job satisfaction and workplace happiness, issues he pledged to address.
He appealed for continued patience, dedication, and trust from staff as management works to improve conditions, and clear the backloge of outstanding liabilities as soon as its practicable.
Dr Belgore directed the union leaders to engage with the Directors of Human Resource, Finance and Accounts, and Reform Coordination & Service Improvement to harmonize their demands and present a unified resolution for his action.
