By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Productivity improvement in all sectors of the economy has been identified as one of the key factor for a nation to be self reliant and competitive in the international market in all sectors of the economy.
The Permanent Secretary, Nigeria’s Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Clement Illoh said this at a media briefing in Abuja ahead of the forth coming 15th edition of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) which is to be conferred on eleven deserving Nigerians and two corporate organizations by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday.
He said Nigeria is committed to change as it is working towards improving the living standard of its citizens.
Illoh said, “The Government is conscious of critical role of productivity in the realization of the change agenda, as no nation can be self-reliant and competitive in the international market without productivity improvement in all sectors of the economy. Indeed no nation enjoys a standard of living higher than its level of productivity”.
“The conferment of the National Productivity Order of Merit is one positive step by government to stimulate the psyche of Nigerians towards redirecting their efforts to the growth and the development of our economy”.
Illoh, pointed out that merit award is a thoughtful incentive scheme designed to positively affect productivity and it has been creating the desired awareness and competitive spirit among government officials at the Federal, State and Local government levels including the private sector.
He further explained that the development of the National Policy of Productivity has created conditions for rapid and sustained productivity growth in all sectors, as it provides a systematic and comprehensive roadmap for development; noting that, a key point in this policy document is the declaration of a day to be celebrated as National Productivity Day (NPD) across the federation.
“The major component of the NPD is the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award which is an award of honor, excellence and dignity conferred on the most productive individuals and organizations in Nigeria. Since inception of the National Productivity Day, milestones have been recorded; this include institutionalizing productivity consciousness and excellence in service among workers and organizations in both public and private sectors which encourages hard work, high performance, efficiency, discipline, dedication, humility and patriotism, he added.
The Permanent Secretary revealed that, an independent 11 man Committee made up of eminent Nigerians from diverse background and two organizations drawn from all sectors of the economy after a thorough screening are selected for conferment of National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award at this year’s National Productivity Day.
They include: Mrs. Uwemedimo Edet Asomugha, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, Mr. Ajibola Olasehinde, CP Marcus Danladi, Mr. Ijomah Azubuike, Mr. Danladi Yahaya Isah, Comrade Lateef Idowu Oyelekan, Boboye Olayemi Oyeyemi, Mr. Anthony Chinwuba Ani, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Dr. John Alfa, Lubcon Limited and Artee Group respectively.
