Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has said Nigeria has no business with poverty because of the vast natural resources abound in the country.
Wogu, who spoke in Abuja, at the 14th National Productivity Day and the award of recognition to selected Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields, noted that for the country to achieve the Vision 20:2020 there must be improved productivity at all levels.
“The hosting of this ceremony demonstrates the firm resolve of government to transform the Nigeria nation through productivity improvement imperatives. This is because productivity remains the cornerstone for building any virile and dynamic economy.
“The history of this nation is replete with so many missed opportunities and low productivity that have prevented the country from taking its rightful place as an economic giant in the comity of nations. Indeed, Nigeria has no business with poverty given our vast natural resources.
“The country, therefore, needed transformation in all sectors of the economy of jumpstart Nigeria’s growth. We must all strive to ensure that this nation achieves its vision of being one of the 20 largest economies in the world in year 2020.
“Improved productivity at all levels remains the key towards the attainment of this goal. It is, therefore, apposite for us to demonstrate greater need for productivity consciousness in all facets of our national lives.”
Wogu explained that there were various means of attaining productivity which he said was not by coercion but by looking at the contents of the productivity policy and particularly the module put in place to make it easier to be applied in both private and public sector.
According to him, a highly motivated work force would attain productivity level that had to be commiserated with the level of motivation. He noted that the policy had come with the innovative process of target setting compelling people in the public and private sector to attain those targets.
