The center laments low productivity in the informal sector

While small enterprises (SMEs) are the engine of growth, the existence of a huge knowledge gap in the sector is a challenge hampering its growth, said National Productivity Center Director General Dr Nasir Raji-Mustapha.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU with the Abuja Entrepreneurship Agency (AEA), Raji-Mustapha stressed that the joint efforts of both bodies will foster entrepreneurship development and enhance opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He explained: “We all know the impact that small and medium-sized enterprises have on economies around the world, especially developing economies. Small and medium-sized enterprises produce household products that are not fancy. They should have market knowledge of what is needed and how to respond to emerging market needs. They should also know how to improve their products, getting maximum performance from the input. This is a sector that should be knowledge-based, but this is not happening in Nigeria. The sector needs to sit up and take its rightful place in the manufacturing sector.

The NPC boss highlighted the crucial role of SMEs in driving economic progress and affirmed that cooperation is a stepping stone towards achieving the national development goals contained in the Renewed Hope Agenda promoted by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The agreement goes beyond business development and capacity building as both organizations have identified additional areas of synergy, including data collection initiatives, specialized training programs and targeted youth engagement projects.

Acting Managing Director/CEO of Abuja Enterprise Agency, Chudi Ezirigwe, said the partnership signals a united front in supporting sustainable business practices, fostering innovation and nurturing an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to flourish in the FCT.

In another working partnership, the Center also partnered with the AIG-Imokhuede Foundation in an effort to increase productivity and efficiency in the public sector in Nigeria.

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation and Collaboration, Raji-Mustapha suggested that the partnership aims to enhance the managerial and operational knowledge, skills and competencies of the Nigerian public sector through the use of innovative productivity improvement tools and techniques.

It also aims to increase labor productivity in Nigeria through public sector leadership development programs and strengthen the capacity to effectively develop and implement policies, with particular emphasis on enhancing economic growth and service delivery in the public sector.

The agricultural, industrial and services sectors have been designated as pilot areas for the partnership. On her part, the Executive Vice-Chairperson of the AIG-Imokhuede Foundation, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, commended the NPC and its impact on promoting productivity in the country, saying that the Center is a worthy partner as the Foundation seeks to promote productivity in key areas of the economy.

Meanwhile, the Center has launched its Enterprise Improvement Program, a renewed strategic move aimed at increasing organizational effectiveness and supporting a more dynamic workplace culture.

The corporate improvement program included in the corporate culture brochure was an initiative undertaken by the Corporate Affairs and Information Department in cooperation with the Human Resources Management Department and the Consulting and Business Development Department of the Center.

In his opening remarks, the Center’s CEO Raji-Mustapha emphasized the importance of employees’ approach to work and personal life.

He charged the Center’s staff to develop their innate passion and actively contribute to the development of the Center, which aims to improve organizational practices and create a favorable work environment.