The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh has affirmed that no nation can be self-reliant and competitive in the international market without productivity improvement in all sectors of the economy.
The Permanent Secretary stated this at a media briefing in Abuja today ahead of the forth coming 15th edition of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) to be conferred on eleven deserving Nigerians and two corporate organizations by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday 20thAugust, 2015 in Abuja.
According to him “as you are all aware, this government’s commitment to change cannot be over emphasized as it will improve the standard of living of Nigerians. 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”.
In his words ”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”.
Dr. Illoh, noted that at both the individual and organizational levels, the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) is a thoughtful incentive scheme designed to positively affect productivity stressing that the award has been creating the desired awareness and competitive spirit among government officials at the Federal, State and Local government levels and the private sector.
Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary 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.
Dr. Illoh said that a key point in this policy document is the declaration of a day to be celebrated as National Productivity Day (NPD) in Abuja and simultaneously in all the states of the federation adding that the major component of the NPD is the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award which is an award of honour, excellence and dignity conferred on the most productive individuals and organizations in Nigeria.
He said since inception of the National Productivity Day, milestones have been recorded to include amongst others institutionalizing productivity consciousness and excellence in service among workers and organizations in both public and private sectors in Nigeria emphasizing hard work, high performance, efficiency, discipline, dedication, humility and patriotism.
The Permanent Secretary revealed that, an independent Committee made up of eminent Nigerians from diverse background had ,after a thorough screening exercise, recommended eleven individuals and two organizations drawn from all sectors of the economy for conferment of National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award at this year’s National Productivity Day.
The distinguished individuals and organisations to be awarded this year 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.
Samuel Olowookere
Deputy Director (Press)
