Bassey Ndiokho: Self-Effacing Technocrat
Bassey Ndiokho, 59, is the chairman chief executive officer of uac of Nigeria Plc, the largest and perhaps, most diversified conglomerate quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Ndiokho is A quiet operator, who unlike some lesser corporate chieftains, maintains a low public profile almost to the point of self-effacement. This is inspite of the fact that he has been at the top driving seat of uac for five years now. But when authoritative comments and views of the organised private sector are sought on issues, you cannot miss his incisive contributions. For instance, he was one of those appointed into vision 2010 committee to represent the business community.
Ndiokho, a qualified surveyor, joined uac in 1971 and by 1975 he had become estate controller. Six years later, 1981, he was promoted general manager, property division. This gave him ample opportunity to bring his professional expertise to bear on the management of uac's extensive property holdings. In 1984, he went on attachment to the United Kingdom as a beneficiary of uac's technical agreement with unilever uk. On his return in 1985, he was appointed head of personnel, a position that enabled him to gain a wide knowledge of the uac divisions with responsibility for recruiting, motivating and disciplining the company's employees. This is an Herculean task given that uac is one of the largest employers of labour in corporate Nigeria today.
Perhaps in recognition of his excellent handling of the personnel function, Ndiokho was appointed to uac's board in 1986. In 1990, he was sent to Sapele as general manager, Africa Timber and Plywood Company, once a leading division of uac that needed to be restructured and modernised in tune with the development in the industry. It was from the atp post that the unassuming Ndiokho who was appointed to the chairman/chief executive position. Since assumption of office, Ndiokho has worked tirelessly at ensuring he takes uac to its heights. Recently, a restructuring and re-focussing activities commenced. The new exercise has been the company focusing on four core areas of property, food, packaging and distribution.
Newswatch June 29, 1998
" Newswatch 1998