The National Productivity Centre NPC, has put machinery in place to stimulate the zeal and energy of Nigerians towards enhanced productivity.
Speaking at the first edition of the end of year parley, organised by the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria LACAN and the International Labour Organisation ILO in Abuja, the Director General of the Centre, Dr. Baffa DanAgundi, expressed his determination to transform the agency into a powerhouse for cultivating and leverage ideas and partnerships to boost productivity and create jobs across Nigeria.
He emphasised the importance of ideas and partnerships as key drivers to overcoming Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
“At NPC, our commitment aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda of growing Nigeria’s GDP to $1 trillion by 2027 and creating decent jobs for citizens.
“We are working with industries, SMEs, and all levels of government to implement cutting-edge productivity solutions,” Dr. Dan Agundi stated.
The LACAN parley provided the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, its Parastatals, social partners and international partners the opportunity to discuss their activities, achievements and challenges as well as their plans for 2025.
Dr Dan’Agundi said that under his leadership, the NPC would collaborate with government agencies, international organisations, NGOs, and other partners to promote a culture of productivity and create sustainable jobs that engage Nigerian youths in meaningful economic activities, fostering economic growth and improving living conditions for citizens.
He highlighted initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment without relying on government funding.
Through partnerships with Sicilsaldo Contracting Nigeria Limited and Accolade Dynamics he disclosed, over 300,000 Nigerian youths are set to gain training and job placement opportunities in fields such as industrial pipefitting and artificial intelligence.
“We have signed agreements with Sicilsaldo for industrial skills training and job placements, and with Accolade Dynamics to onboard 200,000 NYSC members onto an AI platform.
“This will equip youths with the skills required to meet global job market demands”.
He also noted his agency’s efforts at addressing food security and unemployment.
“The Centre launched an innovative Aquaponics and Greenhouse Technology Empowerment Programme aimed at training over 100,000 youths in modern agricultural practices.
“The NPC has partnered with IMD to analyze 340 productivity indicators. This collaboration provides benchmarks to guide policymakers in enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness and driving economic development.
“Through Productivity and Quality Improvement Programme (P&QIP), the NPC is helping organisations improve efficiency and quality.
“In just five months, P&QIP initiatives have benefited businesses like TRT Aredo Furniture, Tailors Association of Nigeria, and Sir Dick & A. Limited, training hundreds of workers in productivity-enhancing skills”, the the Director General said.
Dr Dan’Agundi also said that NPC’s outreach extends to educational institutions with a productivity mentoring program launched across the FCT and 19 States.
“Over 50,000 students have been mentored, and productivity clubs are being established to instill innovation and excellence among the youth.
“Our Unity Robot project, involving 10,000 kids, is designed to foster a ‘can-do’ spirit and productivity mindset in the next generation.”
Productivity Awareness
The NPC according to him, also implemented Productivity Awareness Lectures in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service where over 50 Deputy Directors have undergone training, while partnerships with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council NEPC and AIG-Imokhuede Foundation are enhancing skills across public and private sectors.
“Our landmark survey on implementing a Productivity-Linked Wage System (PLWS) in the public sector was conducted to promote a performance-based culture and enhance civil service efficiency”, he added.
He also spoke about NPC’s strategic alliances with international organisations such as the Japan Productivity Centre, Asian Productivity Organisation, and UNIDO, which he said have facilitated staff training abroad, ensuring the adoption of global best practices.
On low staff morale in his organisation, “We revamped the welfare scheme to support health, retirement, and transportation needs. Today, staff engagement is at an all-time high”, he said.
“Infrastructural upgrades at the NPC headquarters were achieved without government funds, leveraging corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“The Centre also procured new project vehicles and enhanced office facilities to boost productivity”.
For the year 2025, Dr. Dan’Agundi outlined plans to digitize NPC’s processes, acquire a Corporate Headquarters, and amend the agency’s enabling Act to position it for greater impact.
“My vision is to make the NPC one of the best productivity organizations in Africa and ensure productivity becomes a household word in Nigeria”, he said.
Hauwa Abu
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