The Federal Government has resolved to effect a new reward system to boost productivity, efficiency and excellence in the public service, President Goodluck Jonathan said in Abuja on Thursday.
Jonathan made the statement at the 13th National Productivity Day celebration in Abuja, where 20 individuals and 10 organisations received the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award for 2011 and 2012.
Jonathan, who was represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, said that the introduction of the new reward system became necessary in view of the need to establish the virtues of integrity, honesty, discipline and hard work in the workplace.
“Improving productivity in all sectors of our economy requires motivation by positive incentives and the provision of a favourable working environment.
“To this end, the administration is working hard to re-engineer attitudinal outlook which will emphasise the dignity of labour, integrity, honesty, discipline and hard work in the workplace,’’ he said.
Jonathan said that his administration had begun the development of a National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan for the provision of modern comprehensive infrastructure for the enhancement of productivity and competitiveness.
He said that the Board of the Nigerian National Competitiveness Council had been inaugurated to facilitate the articulation and direction required to improve competitiveness.
He added that the National Productivity Centre was being strengthened to streamline its functions and ensure full compliance and implementation of the National Policy of Productivity approved by the government.
Jonathan explained that the present administration’s Transformation Agenda was productivity-oriented.
“Our vision and quest to bequeath to future generations a better and greater Nigeria underpins our very action.
“As a development strategy, it focuses on creating wealth and jobs by laying a solid foundation for robust and all-inclusive economic growth.
“In this regard, we are paying close attention to collaboration with the private sector in order to accelerate our march to industrialisation and development,“ he stated.
He described the theme for the National Productivity Day: “Productivity and Competitiveness: Determinants for Achieving National Transformation“, as appropriate and timely.
The president thanked Nigerians for their support to law enforcement agencies, saying that the present administration remained committed to strengthening the capacity of the law enforcement agencies to enable them to combat terrorism and other criminal activities.
“Let me thank all Nigerians, once again, for the goodwill and overwhelming support extended to the government and our law enforcement agencies and personnel in tackling the security challenges facing our country,“ he said.
Jonathan congratulated the awardees and urged them to continue on the productive path that earned them the national award and recognition.
In his remark, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, reiterated the determination of his ministry to continue to ensure industrial peace and harmony to enhance productivity.
