By MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

The Federal Government has urged the state governments and local governments to adopt the national policy on productivity, aimed at boosting productivity
Meanwhile, the deputy governor of Lagos state, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has tasked the civil servants in the country to use the upcoming year to rededicate themselves to selfless service.

Minister for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Emeka Wogu  gave the appeal at the celebration of the Lagos state productivity day and presentation of year 2010, 2011 and 2012 productivity merit award to 35 civil servants held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

Wogu who was represented by the State Coordinator of National Productivity Centre, NPC, Mrs. Peace Nwasuzu, lamented that the major challenge facing the policy was having the society imbibe the policy which was meant to create awareness for the need to encourage productivity at work place.
The minister said that the adoption of the policy will further start the country’s productivity growth which has been affected over the years.

It will be recalled that the National Policy on Productivity was officially launched three months ago. A year after the Federal Executive Council, FEC approved its establishment.

According to him, “When the state and local governments key into the policy implementation strategies and cooperate with the Federal ministry and NPC, as the national policy on productivity has the best capacity to jump-start the country’s productivity growth.”

The minister added “The policy seeks to provide for all tiers of government, a systematic and comprehensive roadmap and a charter for ensuring the promotion of a planned and balanced economic deployment of material and human resources for the benefit of Nigerians.”

Wogu explained that when the state adopts the policy document, NPC will “establish productivity council and committee at various levels of governance in the states for proper implementation of the policy.”

On the award to the 35 civil servants, the minister said that the award is meant to celebrate those workers who have done all within their powers to ensure that their country is counted among the best. He added “this award isn’t only to motivate but to serve as a challenge to others who have shown less commitment to their work.”