Enugu State Governor, Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has committed to elevating the state's public service to international standards through improved productivity and respect for labor. This pledge was made on Tuesday during the opening of a three-day training and capacity-building workshop organized by the State Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Governor Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized that the current administration’s primary goal is to boost Enugu State's economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion. He asserted that achieving this ambitious target hinges on enhancing productivity.
The Governor highlighted that the state government is implementing measures to track productivity and correct the long-standing misconception that mere attendance equates to productivity. "Training public servants is crucial, given the significant role that capacity building plays in increasing workers' productivity," Mbah remarked. He underscored that public servants are pivotal to the success of any government, reinforcing the importance of their role in achieving developmental goals.
Governor Mbah also outlined several ongoing projects, including the establishment of Smart Schools, road construction, and improvements in water and electricity supply. He stressed that these initiatives rely heavily on the productivity of public servants.
"This day marks a significant step forward as we work towards enhancing productivity in public service delivery," Mbah said. "Our vision for Enugu is to create a public service that not only meets but exceeds international standards. This requires a robust productivity enhancement framework and rigorous tracking of our progress."
The Governor introduced a comprehensive productivity enhancement model aimed at improving performance, accountability, and streamlining processes. He emphasized that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Labour to the Ministry of Labour and Productivity reflects a strategic shift towards a more results-oriented approach aligned with global best practices.
In his address, State Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Pharm. Chika Ugwuoke, described enhanced productivity as essential for driving development in the state. He affirmed that the current administration prioritizes the welfare of the people, with a focus on poverty eradication through productivity in infrastructure and human empowerment.
Ugwuoke urged the state's workforce to remain dedicated and support the government's efforts to advance Enugu State. He emphasized that productivity is the cornerstone for achieving comprehensive development and called on public servants to contribute actively to the state’s progress.