NPC advocates continuous improvement in business operations

The Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Dr Baffa Dan’Agundi, has stressed the need to adopt Kaizen in Nigeria’s public and private sectors to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Dan’Agundi said this at the 2nd National Kaizen Conference, organised in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, focused on deploying Kaizen principles in Nigeria, which was held recently in Abuja.

The event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, private organisations, and development partners to discuss strategies for enhancing productivity.

He emphasised that continuous improvement is critical for Nigeria’s economic growth.

In his address, the Director-General said, “Given the high level of competition amongst organisations in the world today, it is instructive that at firm and sector levels, we focus on improving our managerial and operational practices so that we can be players in the global value chains.

“It is a fact that there is a desire for overall growth and development in Nigeria, but the earlier we evolve initiatives that can help us identify the productivity gaps in our ecosystem, the better for all of us.”

Speaking on the need for organisations to embrace Kaizen for improved efficiency and performance, the Director-General said, “Kaizen, which is globally practiced by top-tier firms and has been proven to deliver efficient and effective operational systems, reduction/elimination of waste, and improved quality, will not only drive growth in our organisations but help them expand by generating additional revenue and profits with the same level of capital, thereby creating additional job opportunities and development in the country.”

Dan’Agundi expressed his gratitude to JICA for its collaboration and support in organising the conference, as well as the participation of various organisations and stakeholders, and looks forward to their continued cooperation in deploying kaizen activities in their organisations and sectors.

“I want to thank every participating organisation for nominating their members to join us as we build momentum for changing the narrative of productivity and quality in our nation.

“I also want to especially appreciate the Chief Representative of JICA for making it possible for his team to collaborate with us in organising this event. My appreciation also extends to the teams from the National Productivity Centre and Japan International Cooperation Agency for their efforts in putting together a well-organised conference.

“Beyond this conference, we shall continue to rely on your cooperation to enable us to deploy kaizen activities in your organisations and sectors.”

The JICA Nigeria Office Chief Representative, Mr Susumu Yuzurio, in his address, said, “Today’s gathering signifies a critical step in our shared mission to foster economic growth, job efficiency and productivity, and sustainable development in Nigeria. The focus on Kaizen, a globally acclaimed philosophy of continuous improvement, aligns perfectly with this mission.

“Kaizen, which translates to ‘change for the better,’ is more than a concept; it is a philosophy, a proven methodology that has revolutionised industries worldwide. Originating from Japan, Kaizen emphasises continuous improvements, employee participation, and process efficiency. It has been instrumental in transforming businesses, enhancing productivity, and fostering a culture of excellence.

“For Nigeria, a nation with infinite potential, Kaizen presents an opportunity to enhance competitiveness, streamline operations, and unlock new avenues for growth. By embracing Kaizen principles, Nigerian public offices and private businesses can achieve greater efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality, thereby ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic prosperity. “

Expressing JICA’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development journey, he said, “Over the years, we have partnered with the government and key stakeholders to implement various initiatives across sectors, including energy, agriculture, health, transportation, education, and industry. Our collaboration on Kaizen reflects JICA’s dedication to fostering Nigeria’s growth and human capacity building.

“Through our technical cooperation projects and training programmes, JICA has supported the deployment of Kaizen in many countries across Africa, yielding remarkable results. These experiences have demonstrated the adaptability.