Buhari hinges Nigeria’s devt on high productivity, quality education

THE desire to transform Nigeria into a competitive, strong, vibrant, individual and organisational productivity and sustainable economy must be anchored on an improved quality education system, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

The President, who stated this in his keynote address in Abuja at the National Productivity Order of Merit ( NPOM) while conferring productivity awards on deserving Nigerians and companies, argued that focusing on quality education must not be a one- off exercise but a continuous priority.

The President added: “Qualitative and durable educational system will not only set our economy on the path of sustainable growth but will also guarantee Nigerians a higher standard of living and improved quality of life. We shall therefore do all we can to uplift the standard of our educational system.”

President Buhari explained that the award was designed to identify, recognize and reward productive individuals and organizations in both the public and private sectors, for high productivity, hard work and excellence.

He said productivity is a fundamental determinant of rapid economic growth, social progress and improved standard of living, saying, “Whatever sector it may be, productivity remains a key factor that enables societies to generate wealth through efficient and effective utilization of available human and material resources to produce quality goods and services.”

Buhari insisted that investment in the people through education and training is a strategic tool for increasing productivity.

On his part, Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, revealed that since 1991, NPOM has been bestowed on 382 individuals and 97 organizations.

He added: “Today, 36 individuals and 11 organizations have proved themselves worthy of this award and are being presented to your Excellency, Mr President, for recognition and presentation of the prestigious National Productivity Order of Merit ( NPOM Award) for 2019 and 2020.”

The Director- General of the National Productivity

Centre (( NPC), Dr Kashim Akor highlighted the importance of award conferment on individuals who are excelling in the face of operational challenges.

He stressed that despite the ravaging effects of COVID- 19, there are individuals and organisations that rose above limitations.

The NPC boss also hinted that the awards are not an end of their own, but will be used as a platform for the promotion of productivity in Nigeria.