Labour minister urge Nigerians to improve productivity as president present productivity awards tomorrow

Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige has urged Nigerians to strive towards improved productivity in tandem with the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the minister, the agenda was aimed at sustainable growth of the nation.

Ngige spoke while briefing the media on the activities marking the celebration of the 16th National Productivity Day and conferment of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award on deserving individuals and organisations.

The award will be presented tomorrow by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: “I wish to appeal to Nigerians to reflect deeply on the significance of this celebration, especially in the face of Mr. President’s Change Agenda and our vision of bringing the economy out of recession to a path of steady growth and prosperity.

“We should constantly strive to improve our productivity in all facets of our daily lives towards ensuring sustainable growth and development of our dear nation.”

The minister added that the present administration was conscious of the critical role improved productivity could play in the realisation of the change agenda, “as no nation can be self-reliant and competitive in the international market without productivity improvement in all sectors of its economy”.

“Indeed, no nation enjoys a standard of living higher than its level of productivity.” He affirmed.

Ngige emphasised that the National Productivity Order of Merit award was one positive step by government to stimulate the psyche of Nigerians towards redirecting their efforts to the growth of the economy.

He explained that the 16th edition would witness the conferment of the National Productivity Order of Merit award on 15 deserving individuals and six organisations.

The awardees are: Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Mrs. Mary Adenike Ibikunle, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Aliyu, Mr. Olubola Olakunle Aikulola, Mr. Idi Mohammed Maleh, Mrs. Elizabeth Igelegba, Mr. Aminu Aliyu Bisalla Mrs. Saratu AZI, Prof. Mohammed Sanni Abdulkadir and Dr. Yemi Kale

Others include Comrade Mike Akpotosewe, Prof. Ukandi Damachi, Emeka Okwuosa (an engineer), Prof. Okey Mbonu, Kashim Ali (an engineer) and Fidson Health Care Plc Lagos, Olam Nigeria Ltd, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nig. Ltd, Nigeria Bottling Company Ltd and Chicason Group.

Activities marking the celebration of the day includes award lecture titled “Productivity for Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Employment.”

It will be delivered by Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Made  in Nigeria goods will be exhibited.