Executive Director of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Mr. Victor Eburajolo said the failure of Nigeria to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty, unemployment and low standard of living can be attributed to the low productive life of the country.
According to him, no nation can be self-sufficient and compete favorably in the international market without qualitative productivity.
He said the low quantity and quality of output in the different sectors of the economy has impeded economic growth and has the capacity to affect the realisation of Vision 2020 economic goals.
Eburajolo, who represented the Chairman Senate committee on Labour and Productivity, was speaking at the 12th National Productivity Day, where participants from around the country x-rayed the productivity level in the country which they agree has continued to decline, leading to increased rate of poverty, unemployment and poor standards of living.
While some blame the government for the decline others attribute it to the attitude of Nigerians.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Tunji Olaopa, attributed the problem to over dependence on paper qualification and education sector that lacks the capacity to bridge the huge gap for skilled workers.
Olaopa also advocated an attitudinal change on the part of Nigerians. He further called on the government to ensure that a holistic measure is taken by all sectors of the economy to ensure that the productive index of the country begins to rise.